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Safety of Journalists' Platform report: media freedom conditions worsen

Strasbourg 12 February 2019
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Safety of Journalists' Platform report: media freedom conditions worsen

The environment for media freedom has worsened significantly in the Council of Europe area, according to a report published today by the partner organisations to the Council of Europe Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists.

The report “Democracy at Risk: threats and attacks against media freedom in Europe” assesses the situation of media freedom in Europe based on the 140 serious media freedom violations reported to the platform in 2018.

According to the report, the number of attacks on journalists has grown continuously. The number of threats reported, including death threats, doubled last year and there has been no progress in a number of long-standing cases of impunity for murder of journalists. In addition, journalists continue to be arbitrarily detained while a number of new legislative initiatives have weakened media freedom.

In a meeting in Strasbourg, the partner organisations presented the report to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland, who thanked them for their continued involvement in the platform.

The Secretary General agreed with the partners that strong and concerted political action from member states and the organisation is needed to reverse the trend of eroding conditions for media freedom and to improve protections for journalists.

“Freedom of expression is crucial for the realisation of all other human rights and it deserves the highest attention of our member states. The report can serve as a basis for dialogue with the member states on the ways to improve the media freedom environment”, said the Secretary General.

The Council of Europe Platform was set up by the Council of Europe in 2015, in co-operation with prominent international NGOs active in the field of the freedom of expression and associations of journalists, to provide information which may serve as a basis for dialogue with member states about possible protective or remedial action.

The twelve platform partners are: the European Federation of Journalists, the International Federation of Journalists, the Association of European Journalists, Article 19, Reporters without Borders, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Index on Censorship, the International Press Institute, the International News Safety Institute, Rory Peck Trust, the European Broadcasting Union and PEN International.


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Follow-ups to alerts Follow-ups to alerts

4 August 2020

TV Journalist Sinan Gluhić Attacked by Politician
Reply from the Bosnian authorities

3 August 2020

Journalist Bojana Pavlović Harassed in Front of the Police who Confiscated her Phone
Reply of the Serbian authorities (Ministry of the Interior)

31 July 2020

Critical Greek Media Excluded or Side-Lined from State Funding Package during Covid-19
Reply from the Greek Authorities

30 July 2020

Blogging Site ‘Medium.com’ Blocked in Albania
Reply from the Albanian authorities

28 July 2020

Turkey Proposes Social Media Law, Threatening Press Freedom
CoE Commissioner for Human Rights considers that "the amendments proposed to the Internet legislation in Turkey will make a legal framework that is already incompatible with CoE standards much worse"

28 July 2020

The Dutch Travel Restriction Law Threatens Media Freedom
Reply from the Netherlands authorities

22 July 2020

Photojournalist Wojciech Atys Taken to Court after Reporting on a Protest
Reply from the Polish authorities

21 July 2020

Death Threats against N1 Journalist Nikola Vučić
Reply from the Bosnian authorities

16 July 2020

Lawsuits Filed against the Romanian Centre for Investigative Journalism
Reply from the Romanian authorities

16 July 2020

Heavy Fines and Shutdown Threat against Albanian TV Channel
Response from the Albanian authorities

16 July 2020

Media Owner Kastriot Reçi Killed in Albania
Response from the Albanian authorities

16 July 2020

Prime Minister Pressures Online Portals and Information Channels
Response of the Albanian authorities

16 July 2020

News 24 Channel Shuts Down two Critical Talk Shows
Response from the Albanian authorities

16 July 2020

British Journalist Targeted by Smear Campaign
Response from the Albanian authorities

15 July 2020

Slovak Investigative Journalist Peter Sabo Finds Bullet in His Mailbox
Reply of the Slovak authorities

9 July 2020

Threats and Insults against Journalists in Faktor.ba Newsroom
Response from the authorities of Bosnia Herzegovina

7 July 2020

Reporter Eugenija Carl Receives Threatening Letter with White Powder
Reply from the Slovenian authorities

6 July 2020

Russia Investigates Reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva, Seizes Property over Allegations of "Justifying Terrorism"
OSCE Media Freedom Representative Harlem Désir dismayed by court verdict against journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva in Russia

6 July 2020

Russia Investigates Reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva, Seizes Property over Allegations of "Justifying Terrorism"
According to the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, "the verdict against journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva reflect[s] once again the urgency to overhaul legislation governing freedom of assembly and of expression, as well as anti-terrorism and anti-extremism legislation in the Russian Federation".

2 July 2020

Attack on Russian Journalist David Frenkel Covering Constitutional Election
CoE Commissioner for Human Rights considers that "the excessive use of force by the Russian police against journalist David Frenkel is an unacceptable interference with press freedom"

2 July 2020

Journalists Attacked and Labelled as "Terrorists" during Far Right Protests in Rome
Reply from the Italian authorities (Ministry of Interior)

25 June 2020

Loyalist Threats against Journalists in Northern Ireland
Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

25 June 2020

Threats of Legal Action against Cartoonist Gábor Pápai
Reaction from the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

24 June 2020

New “Anti-defamation” Legislative Package Threatens Online Media Freedom
On 19 June 2020, the Venice Commission adopted an opinion on draft amendments to the Law n°97/2013 on the Audiovisual Media Service. While acknowledging "the efforts of the Albanian authorities to be transparent, to respond to the criticism and to improve the text of the draft amendments", the Commission considers that "the draft amendments are not ready for adoption in their current form. The law suffers from vagueness and would likely to have a “chilling effect” suppressing free discussion and political speech in the Albanian sector of the internet."

16 June 2020

Crimean Tatar Journalists Osman Arifmemetov, Remzi Bekirov and Rustem Sheikhaliev Detained by Russian Authorities
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

15 June 2020

ZDF Camera Crew Severely Assaulted in Berlin
Reply by the German authorities

12 June 2020

Two Journalists, Müyesser Yıldız and İsmail Dükel, Detained by Police for “Military Espionage”; Yıldız Arrested
OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned by prison sentences against two journalists in Turkey, urges authorities to respect freedom of expression

10 June 2020

TV Journalist Sinan Gluhić Attacked by Politician
OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns physical attack and threats against journalist in Zenica

10 June 2020

Anti-Refugee Protesters Attack Journalists
Reply from the Greek authorities (Ministry of Justice)

9 June 2020

Journalist Metin Uca Sentenced to 14 Months for Tweeting Suspiciously Accurate Election Forecast by State-run News Agency
OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned by prison sentences against two journalists in Turkey, urges authorities to respect freedom of expression

5 June 2020

Journalist Oleksandr Vlashchenko Assaulted by Unknown Assaillant
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

29 May 2020

Reporter Fabio Buonafiglio’s Car Set on Fire
Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

29 May 2020

Journalist Gennaro Del Giudice Threatened by Mafia Group
Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

27 May 2020

Smear Campaign Against Four Sport Journalists
Response from the Greek authorities (Ministry of Justice)

26 May 2020

Government Signals Reversal of Commitments to End Jail Penalties for Journalists in Defamation Law
Reply from the Italian authorities

22 May 2020

Investigative News Platform Slidstvo.info Hit with Criminal Probe
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

22 May 2020

The Work of the Ukrainian Public Broadcaster UA: PBC Blocked, all Accounts Arrested.
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

19 May 2020

Cartoonist Mahmoud Abbas Threatened with Death
Reply from the Swedish authorities

18 May 2020

Portuguese Journalists Banned from Entering Spain
Reply from the Spanish authorities

18 May 2020

Exiled Pakistani Journalist Sajid Hussain Baloch Found Dead
Reply from the Swedish authorities

18 May 2020

Suspected Plot to Attack an "Irish News" Journalist
Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

18 May 2020

Graffiti Threatens Safety of Northern Ireland Journalist Leona O'Neill
Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

18 May 2020

Continued Impunity for Murder of Journalist Martin O'Hagan in 2001
Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

18 May 2020

Editor Abdulmumin Gadzhiev Detained in Russia on Terrorism Charges
OSCE Media Freedom Representative reiterates concern over continued detention of Russian journalist Abdulmumin Gadzhiev, calls for his release

18 May 2020

Journalist Lyra McKee Killed in Northern Ireland
Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

12 May 2020

Polish Clothing Company LLP Files Lawsuit against two Polish Journalists for Newsweek Poland Article
Reply from the Polish authorities (Ministry of Justice)

11 May 2020

Loyalist Threats against Journalists in Northern Ireland
OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns serious threats against journalists in Northern Ireland

11 May 2020

Fox TV Banned from Broadcast, Anchor Fatih Portakal Faces Three-Year Imprisonment
OSCE Media Freedom Representative worried about media bans imposed by Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK)

11 May 2020

Turkish Radio and Television High Council Cancels Broadcast of Northern Cypriot Diyalog TV
OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned about blocking of Turkish-Cypriot Diyalog TV channel

11 May 2020

Journalist Ana Lalic Detained Overnight after Reporting on Conditions in Hospital
Response from the Serbian authorities (Ministry of Interior)

11 May 2020

Journalist Tetiana Sivokon Attacked while Reporting on Sale of Protective Masks
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

11 May 2020

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan
On 7 May 2020, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that Azerbaijan failed to protect Ismayilova’s right to privacy, saying the country's courts should have sanctioned a local newspaper for an article making salacious claims and commentary about her private and sexual life. The Court also awarded Ismayilova with a total of 6,000 euros for damages, costs, and expenses.

6 May 2020

Emergency Restrictions Force Media to Suppress Independent Information on COVID-19
Reply from the Armenian authorities

6 May 2020

Emergency Restrictions Force Media to Suppress Independent Information on COVID-19
State comment regarding the statement on data protection attached to the alert

24 April 2020

Chechen President Threatens Journalist Elena Milashina with Death
PACE rapporteurs call on Russian authorities to protect journalist Elena Milashina as a matter of urgency.

17 April 2020

Bulgarian Newspaper Editor Slavi Angelov Severely Beaten in Attack by Masked Men in Central Sofia
Reply from the Bulgarian authorities

17 April 2020

Satabank Co-Owner Files SLAPPs against Maltese Blogger Manuel Delia and Times of Malta in Bulgaria
Reply from the Bulgarian authorities

16 April 2020

Threats and Insults against Journalists in Faktor.ba Newsroom
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media denounces the threats and insults against Faktorba journalists.

15 April 2020

'La Repubblica' Chief Editor Carlo Verdelli under Police Protection after Receiving Death Threats
Reply from the Italian authorities

15 April 2020

Arson Attack against Holos Sambirshchyny Newspaper
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

7 April 2020

Slovenian Prime Minister Attacks Radiotelevizija Slovenija (RTVS) on Social Media
Response by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia

3 April 2020

Journalist Ana Lalic Detained Overnight after Reporting on Conditions in Hospital
OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes reversal by Serbian Government of decision on public information.

1 April 2020

Government Plan to Strongly Reduce Funding for Public Service Broadcasting
OSCE Media Freedom Representative Désir calls on Ukrainian Government not to cut budget of public service broadcaster.

31 March 2020

Bulgarian Newspaper Editor Slavi Angelov Severely Beaten in Attack by Masked Men in Central Sofia
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights calls for stronger commitment to increase media freedom in Bulgaria

31 March 2020

Satabank Co-Owner Files SLAPPs against Maltese Blogger Manuel Delia and Times of Malta in Bulgaria
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights calls for stronger commitment to increase media freedom in Bulgaria

28 March 2020

Slovenian Prime Minister Attacks Radiotelevizija Slovenija (RTVS) on Social Media
OSCE Media Freedom Representative urges public officials in Slovenia to refrain from pressure on independence of public broadcaster

27 March 2020

Slovenian Journalist Blaž Zgaga Targeted by a Defamation and Hate Campaign Led by the New Government
Reply from the Slovenian authorities

27 March 2020

Media Freedom Advocates Raise Alarm over UK Counter-Terror Bill
Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

27 March 2020

Proposal Set To Increase Prison Sentences For Leaking Official Documents
Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

25 March 2020

Emergency Restrictions Force Media to Suppress Independent Information on COVID-19
Сoronavirus response should not impede the work of the media in Armenia, says OSCE Media Freedom Representative

24 March 2020

Hungary Seeks Power to Jail Journalists over ‘False Information’ in COVID-19 Coverage
Council of Europe Secretary General writes to Victor Orbán regarding COVID-19 state of emergency in Hungary

23 March 2020

Hungary Seeks Power to Jail Journalists over ‘False Information’ in COVID-19 Coverage
Сoronavirus response bill should not impede the work of the media in Hungary, says OSCE Media Freedom Representative

20 March 2020

Continued Detention of WikiLeaks Founder and Publisher Julian Assange
Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

20 March 2020

Journalists Ian Cobain and Solomon Hughes Denied Accreditation to the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) Arms Fair
Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

19 March 2020

Bulgarian Newspaper Editor Slavi Angelov Severely Beaten in Attack by Masked Men in Central Sofia
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media condemns brutal attack on journalist Angelov in Bulgaria, calls on authorities to investigate the crime.

18 March 2020

Chechen Blogger Tumso Abdurakhmanov Assaulted
Reply from the Swedish authorities

18 March 2020

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan
PACE monitors for Azerbaijan welcome release of Afgan Mukhtarli.

16 March 2020

Pipe Bomb Attack on Cyprus MC Digital Media News Agency Offices
Reply from the Republic of Cyprus

12 March 2020

Public Radio Journalist Sanctioned for Refusing to Broadcast Discriminatory Information
Reply from the Polish authorities (information from the National Broadcasting Council KRRiT)

10 March 2020

Slovak Columnist Charged with Criminal Defamation for Criticism of Priest
Reply from the Slovak authtorities

9 March 2020

Odatv Executives and Journalists Detained over an Article
Journalists should not be detained for reporting on issues of public interest, says OSCE Representative Désir after arrest of 6 journalists in Turkey.

6 March 2020

Harassment of Russian Agency Journalists in Turkey
OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns arrest of Sputnik journalists in Turkey, calls for their protection

2 March 2020

The Work of the Ukrainian Public Broadcaster UA: PBC Blocked, all Accounts Arrested.
OSCE Representative Désir calls on Ukrainian authorities to find swift and effective solution for unblocking accounts of public broadcasting company.

2 March 2020

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan
On 27 February 2020, the European Court of Human Rights issued its Chamber judgment in the second case of Khadija Ismayilova against Azerbaijan. The Court held that the journalist had been arrested and detained without a reasonable suspicion of an offence. The Court found in particular that one of the charges against her – that she had incited a former colleague to commit suicide – was based on a complaint made under coercion and that other charges related to her work at Radio Azadliq were not backed up by facts. The Court concluded that the authorities’ actions against Ms Ismayilova had been driven by the intent to silence her and found several violations of the ECHR, including a violation of Article 18 in conjunction with Article 5.

27 February 2020

Spanish Journalist Raquel Guillán Assaulted While Reporting Live on TV
Reply from the Spanish authorities

27 February 2020

Journalist Katarzyna Wlodkowska Faces Investigation Following Report on Assassination of Mayor
Reply from the Polish authorities

27 February 2020

Thomas Jacobi, a Journalist Working for La Croix and Deutsche Welle, Attacked in Athens by Far-Right Protesters
Response from the Greek authorities (Ministry of Citizen's Protection)

21 February 2020

Continued Detention of WikiLeaks Founder and Publisher Julian Assange
CoE Human Rights Commissioner declared that "Julian Assange should not be extradited due to potential impact on press freedom and concerns about ill-treatment".

18 February 2020

Novaya Gazeta Journalist Assaulted in Chechnya
PACE Rapporteur on media freedom and the safety of journalists calls on Russian authorities to urgently investigate attack on journalist and lawyer in Chechnya.

14 February 2020

Two Journalism Students Arrested in Lille while Photographing Police Officers
Reply from the French authorities

14 February 2020

A French Police Union Releases a List of Journalists Described as Enemies of the National Police
Reply from the French authorities

11 February 2020

Novaya Gazeta Journalist Assaulted in Chechnya
Attack against journalist and lawyer in Grozny, Russia, extremely concerning, OSCE Media Freedom Representative urges full and thorough investigation.

11 February 2020

Novaya Gazeta Journalist Assaulted in Chechnya
CoE Human Rights Commissioner declared that the Russian authorities must ensure the safety and security of Elena Milashina and Marina Dubrovina and carry out a prompt, independent and effective investigation and punish those responsible for organising and committing this offence.

11 February 2020

Thomas Jacobi, a Journalist Working for La Croix and Deutsche Welle, Attacked in Athens by Far-Right Protesters
Response from the Greek authorities (Ministry of Justice)

4 February 2020

Crimea’s Prosecution Opens Criminal Probe against Journalist Mykola Semena
OSCE Media Freedom Representative relieved that suspended sentence and probationary ban of Ukrainian RFE/RL journalist in Crimea came to an end.

30 January 2020

Continued Detention of WikiLeaks Founder and Publisher Julian Assange
On 28 January 2020, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution titled “Threats to media freedom and journalists’ security in Europe, which states that member states should consider” the detention and criminal prosecution of Mr Julian Assange sets a dangerous precedent for journalists, and join the recommendation of the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment who declared, on 1 November 2019, that Mr Assange's extradition to the United States must be barred and that he must be promptly released”.

27 January 2020

Ukraine’s Draft Law on Combating Disinformation and Regulating Media Activity Threatens Freedom of Speech
OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned by several provisions of Ukraine’s new draft law on disinformation.

24 January 2020

Head of the Russian Republic of Chuvashia says Critical Journalists Should be “Wiped Out”
For the OSCE Representative for Media Freedom "such a declaration from a public official is unacceptable and may endanger journalists’ safety."

24 January 2020

Russian State News Agency Sputnik Shuts Tallinn Bureau Under Pressure From Estonian Police
Response from the Estonian authorities

24 January 2020

New “Anti-defamation” Legislative Package Threatens Online Media Freedom
On 22 January 2020, the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly requested an opinion of the Venice Commission concerning the Albanian Law no. 97/2013 ‘on Audiovisual Media Service’.

23 January 2020

Thomas Jacobi, a Journalist Working for La Croix and Deutsche Welle, Attacked in Athens by Far-Right Protesters
Attack against journalist in Greece unacceptable, OSCE Media Freedom Representative urges full investigation

21 January 2020

Journalist Miodrag Sovilj Targeted by Smear Campaign after Interviewing President Vučić
Reply from the Serbian authorities (Ministry of Interior)

21 January 2020

Crimea’s Prosecution Opens Criminal Probe against Journalist Mykola Semena
OSCE Representative glad the Simferopol district court ended Crimean journalist Mykola Semena’s probationary ban on public activities and expunged his criminal record.He calls for drop of all charges.

14 January 2020

New “Anti-defamation” Legislative Package Threatens Online Media Freedom
OSCE Media Freedom Representative expresses readiness to continue working with Albanian authorities to improve media legislation.

10 January 2020

Journalist Anđela Đikanović Charged with “Causing Panic and Disorder”
Official reply of the Government of Montenegro

9 January 2020

Russian State News Agency Sputnik Shuts Tallinn Bureau Under Pressure From Estonian Police
OSCE Representative on Freedom of Media encourages authorities to refrain from unnecessary limitations on the work of foreign media.

6 January 2020

Information Website joqalbania.com Blocked
Reply from the Albanian authorities

31 December 2019

Blogger Mehman Huseynov Beaten by Police
OSCE media freedom representative reacts after attack on blogger

20 December 2019

Crimean Tatar Journalists Osman Arifmemetov, Remzi Bekirov and Rustem Sheikhaliev Detained by Russian Authorities
OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns arrest of citizen journalists in Crimea, calls for their immediate release.

19 December 2019

Journalist Nadège Picard Targeted by Police Fire
Reply from the French authorities

19 December 2019

Government Decided to Abolish Public Funding to the Press
Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers)

19 December 2019

Deputy Prime Minister Di Maio and former MP Battista Insulted Journalists
Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers)

19 December 2019

Police Searched the Home of Journalist Salvo Palazzolo
Reply from the Italian authorities

19 December 2019

Minister Di Maio Threatens to Reduce Indirect Public Funding to the Press
Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers)

19 December 2019

Journalist Enrico Nascimbeni Attacked with a Knife in Milan
Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

19 December 2019

Police Failure to Respond to the Serious Threats a Journalist Received Online
OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes the 6-month suspended sentence and the €5,000 fine handed down to a man responsible for harassing the journalist Julie Hainaut: "Online threats against female journalists are unbearable and have no place in society."

19 December 2019

Italy: Journalist Sentenced to Four months in Jail for "Trespassing"
Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

19 December 2019

Journalist Daniele Lupo slapped by former Minister
Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

19 December 2019

Italian Newspaper La Repubblica's Headquarters Attacked by Forza Nuova Supporters
Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

19 December 2019

Italian Investigative Journalist Suffered Data Theft In Home Burglary
Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

17 December 2019

Attack on Online Portal Hayeli.am
Reply from the Armenian Republic authorities

17 December 2019

New “Anti-defamation” Legislative Package Threatens Online Media Freedom
CoE Human Rights Commissioner urges Albania’s Parliament to review bills which restrict freedom of expression.

17 December 2019

Leader of La France Insoumise Party Calls to ‘Badmouth’ France Info Journalists
Reply from the French authorities

17 December 2019

Violence Against Reporters During 11 Days of Protests in Armenia
Reply from the Armenian Republic authorities

17 December 2019

Lack of Effective Investigation into Police Violence and Obstruction of Journalist’s Work
Reply from the Armenian Republic authorities

16 December 2019

Reporters Michael Colborne and Oleksiy Kuzmenko Threatened and Harassed
Reply from the Ukrainian authorities

16 December 2019

Ukrainian Court Rules to Block Access to 17 Online Media
Reply from the Ukrainian authorities

16 December 2019

Threats to the Independence of the Daily "Le Monde"
Reply from the French authorities

16 December 2019

Journalist and Blogger Igor Stakh Beaten in Ukraine
Reply from the Ukrainian authorities

16 December 2019

Violent Attack Against France 3 Cameraman
Reply from the French authorities

13 December 2019

Journalist Pavel Sheremet Killed in Car Explosion
OSCE Media Freedom Representative expresses hope that all who perpetrated and ordered the murder of Pavlo Sheremet in Ukraine are brought to justice.

12 December 2019

Journalists Detained and Subjected to Police Violence while Covering Peaceful Protests
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Journalist Seymur Hazi Detained in Run-Up to Protests
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Journalist Polad Aslanov Arrested, Jailed and Charged with High Treason
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Anar Mammadov Gets Suspended Prison Sentence
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Journalist Ziya Asadli Held in Detention since September 2017
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Continued Impunity for Murder of Azerbaijani journalist Rafiq Tagi
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Blogger Rashad Ramazanov Jailed for Nine Years
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Journalist Detained When Crossing Border Following Travel Ban
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to refrain from imposing arbitrary or disproportionate travel bans and to lift immediately those which are in contradiction with the right to leave the country.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Director of Internet Television Re-arrested
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Fikret Faramazoglu, Azerbaijani Chief Editor of News Website Sentenced to Seven Years on Extortion Charges
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Freelance Journalist, Nijat Amiraslanov, Sentenced to 30 Days Imprisonment
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Opposition and Independent News Websites Blocked
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to bring the legislation and practice affecting Internet freedom in line with European standards.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Journalist Elchin Ismayilli Sentenced to 9 year in Prison
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Freelance Journalist Sentenced to 30 days Administrative Detention
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azadliq Newspaper Stops Publishing in Azerbaijan After Arrest of Financial Director
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Journalist Ikram Rahimov Sentenced to One Year in Jail on Libel Charges
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Closure of Azerbaijani TV Channel
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to bring the legislation and practice affecting Internet freedom in line with European standards.

12 December 2019

Criminal Investigation Launched against Azerbaijani Online Media Outlet Meydan TV
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to bring the legislation and practice affecting Internet freedom in line with European standards.

12 December 2019

Journalist Seymour Hazi Sentenced on Hooliganism Charges
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Journalist Nijat Aliyev Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail in Baku
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Senior Journalist Araz Guliyev Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison in Azerbaijan
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijan Arrested Prominent Journalist Rauf Mirkadyrov for Espionage
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Media Freedom Activist Emin Huseynov Charged with Tax Evasion and Abuse of Power
In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

11 December 2019

Journalist İdris Özyol Severely Beaten Up
Worried about reports that journalist İdris Özyol was found unconscious on the street, OSCE Media Freedom Representative hopes that the investigation will determine the cause of the accident.

10 December 2019

New “Anti-defamation” Legislative Package Threatens Online Media Freedom
OSCE Media Freedom Representative recommends further improvements to laws on online media in Albania.

6 December 2019

Journalists Locked Inside the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta Following a Press Conference
Reply from the Maltese authorities

5 December 2019

AfD’s Politician Björn Höcke Threatens Journalist of ‘Massive consequences’ over Interview Questions
Reply from the German authorities

4 December 2019

Belgian Journalists Nicolas Lahaut and Adrien Heylen Fined and Detained by the Police
Reply from the French authorities

4 December 2019

Journalists Covering the G7 Summit Victims of Abusive Police Confiscations and Controls
Reply from the French authorities

4 December 2019

Duma Committee Approves Legislation to Label Individual Journalists “Foreign Agents”
OSCE Representative Désir concerned by enactment of law broadening “foreign agent” status to individuals.

2 December 2019

Journalists Locked Inside the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta Following a Press Conference
OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned by incident with journalists blocked several minutes in Malta Government building.

2 December 2019

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media welcomes new indictment in murder case of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia

29 November 2019

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights urges the Maltese government to ensure the independence of the investigation into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia

27 November 2019

New Restrictions on Journalists Working in Hungarian Parliament
Reply from the Hungarian authorities (National Assembly)

27 November 2019

Journalists Banned from Covering the Evacuation of Amazon France's Headquarters
Reply from the French authorities (in French)

21 November 2019

Duma Committee Approves Legislation to Label Individual Journalists “Foreign Agents”
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights called on the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to refrain from adopting the draft law currently under examination that would significantly extend the definition and scope of a “foreign agent”.

20 November 2019

Duma Committee Approves Legislation to Label Individual Journalists “Foreign Agents”
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media urges Russian authorities to refrain from broadening “foreign agents” status to individuals.

18 November 2019

TV Reporter Robert Bas Jailed for Refusing to Disclose Source at Murder Trial
Reply from the Dutch authorities (Ministry of Justice and Security)

14 November 2019

Suspension of Bulgarian National Radio Broadcasts Points to Vulnerability of Editorial Independence
Reply from the Bulgarian authorities

13 November 2019

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV
OSCE Media Freedom Representative appalled by decision to re-arrest Ahmet Altan in Turkey one week after his release.

13 November 2019

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights reacts to the decision to re-arrest Ahmet Altan.

8 November 2019

Violent Arrest of Photo Reporter Albert Garcia
Response from the Spanish authorities

8 November 2019

Twelve Journalists Victims of Violence on the Sidelines of Demonstrations in Catalonia
Response from the Spanish authorities

5 November 2019

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV
OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of journalists Ahmet Altan, Mehmet Altan and Nazlı Ilıcak in Turkey.

5 November 2019

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey
OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of journalists Ahmet Altan, Mehmet Altan and Nazlı Ilıcak in Turkey.

28 October 2019

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home
Reply from the Slovak authorities

28 October 2019

Judicial Harassment Against Opposition Journalists in Turkey
OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of several journalists in Turkey, calls for further reforms that ensure better legal protection.

28 October 2019

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of several journalists in Turkey, calls for further reforms that ensure better legal protection.

28 October 2019

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation
OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of several journalists in Turkey, calls for further reforms that ensure better legal protection.

28 October 2019

Kurdish Media Journalists Arrested in Turkey
OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of several journalists in Turkey, calls for further reforms that ensure better legal protection.

25 October 2019

TV Reporter Robert Bas Jailed for Refusing to Disclose Source at Murder Trial
OSCE Representative for media freedom calls for release of Dutch journalist Robert Bas; urges authorities to respect confidentiality of journalists’ sources.

25 October 2019

Azerbaijani Journalist Seymur Hazi Detained in Run-Up to Protests
OSCE Media Freedom Representative deplores obstruction of work of journalists in Azerbaijan, calling on authorities to ensure safe working conditions.

25 October 2019

Violent Arrest of Photo Reporter Albert Garcia
OSCE Representative for Media Freedom concerned by attacks against journalists during demonstrations in Spain, calls for protection of journalists covering protests.

25 October 2019

Twelve Journalists Victims of Violence on the Sidelines of Demonstrations in Catalonia
OSCE Representative for Media Freedom concerned by attacks against journalists during demonstrations in Spain, calls for protection of journalists covering protests.

25 October 2019

Ukrainian Journalist Stanyslav Aseev Missing in Donbass
OSCE Representative Désir strongly condemns jailing of Donetsk journalist Aseev, reiterates call for immediate release.

24 October 2019

Journalists Detained and Subjected to Police Violence while Covering Peaceful Protests
OSCE Media Freedom Representative deplores obstruction of work of journalists in Azerbaijan, calling on authorities to ensure safe working conditions.

24 October 2019

Draft law Punishing Disclosure of Classified Information Threatens Journalists
Reply from the Belgian authorities

22 October 2019

Violent Arrest of Photo Reporter Albert Garcia
Worried about a context of growing insecurity for journalists reporting on the situation in Catalonia in recent months, with attacks against journalists on the rise, CoE Human Rights Commissioner calls Spanish authorities to investigate all reported cases of attacks against journalists, and to take measures s to guarantee the safety of all journalists during demonstrations.

22 October 2019

Twelve Journalists Victims of Violence on the Sidelines of Demonstrations in Catalonia
Worried about a context of growing insecurity for journalists reporting on the situation in Catalonia in recent months, with attacks against journalists on the rise, CoE Human Rights Commissioner calls Spanish authorities to investigate all reported cases of attacks against journalists, and to take measures s to guarantee the safety of all journalists during demonstrations.

21 October 2019

Twelve Journalists Victims of Violence on the Sidelines of Demonstrations in Catalonia
Response form the Spanish authorities

21 October 2019

Ukrainian Journalist Detained and her Equipment Seized by Rome Police
Reply from the Italian authorities

17 October 2019

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
“The Government of Malta remains far behind in its obligation to ensure that investigations in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia are conducted in a prompt, effective, independent and impartial manner” said Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression and UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions on the occasion of the anniversary of the journalist's murder.

11 October 2019

Brutal Attack on the Ukrainian National News Agency Ukrinform
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

11 October 2019

TV Channel '112 Ukraine' Kyiv Office Targeted by a Grenade
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

11 October 2019

Cameraman Vadim Makaryuk Severely Assaulted
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

10 October 2019

Italian Riot Police Beat La Repubblica Reporter Stefano Origone
Reply from the Italian authorities

10 October 2019

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV
CoE Human Rights Commissioner : Court decision prolonging Ahmet Altan detention is an "unacceptable delay in rectifying a blatant human rights violation".

7 October 2019

Football Fans Stormed Radio Sarajevo Newsroom and Forced Staff to Remove News Item
CoE Human Rights Commissioner welcomes the prompt reaction of the authorities in #Bosnia and Herzegovina who condemned the attacks against some Radio Sarajevo’s journalists and reportedly arrested the perpetrators.

7 October 2019

Russia Investigates Reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva, Seizes Property over Allegations of "Justifying Terrorism"
OSCE Media Freedom Representative reiterates his call for dropping criminal charges against journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva in the Russian Federation.

4 October 2019

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
PACE Rapporteur considers that "Daphne Caruana Galizia inquiry in Malta ‘does not meet the Assembly’s expectations’ ". Statement by Pieter Omtzigt

4 October 2019

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
PACE Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights invites the Maltese authorities to address the issues raised by Rapporteur Pieter Omtzigt concerning the terms of reference for the independent public inquiry as a matter of urgency.

3 October 2019

Football Fans Stormed Radio Sarajevo Newsroom and Forced Staff to Remove News Item
OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns attack on Radiosarajevo.ba, calls for better protection of journalists.

23 September 2019

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
Public inquiry into death of Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta must be fully independent and yield justice, states OSCE Media Freedom Representative.

23 September 2019

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
PACE rapporteur on the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and the rule of law in Malta welcomes decision to set up inquiry into the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

19 September 2019

Slovakia Seeks to Introduce Right of Reply for Politicians
OSCE Media Freedom Representative calls for repeal of controversial amendments to Slovak Press Act

19 September 2019

Malta Economy Minister Issues four Libel Suits and Warrants Against Blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia
CoE Human Rights Commissioner calls on Maltese authorities to withdraw posthumous defamation lawsuits against the family of Daphne Caruana Galizia and to amend legislation on defamation.

18 September 2019

Journalist Gordan Duhaček Fined for ‘Anti-Police’ Twitter Message
The arrest and fine of Croatian journalist Gordan Duhacek for his posts on Twitter amount to pure intimidation of the press, says CoE Commissioner.

18 September 2019

Journalist Gordan Duhaček Fined for ‘Anti-Police’ Twitter Message
OSCE Media Freedom Representative raises serious concern about lawsuits and brief detention of journalist in Croatia.

13 September 2019

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of seven former Cumhuriyet journalists in Turkey.

9 September 2019

RIA Novosti Journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky Held on Treason Allegations in Ukraine
OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of Sushchenko and Vyshinsky, thanks both countries for this achievement.

9 September 2019

Ukrainian Journalist Held on ‘Spying‘ Allegations
OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of Sentsov, Sushchenko and Vyshinsky, thanks both countries for this achievement.

4 September 2019

Journalist Levent Uysal Wounded in Shooting Attack
OSCE Media Freedom Representative strongly condemns shooting of journalist in Turkey, calls for thorough investigation

30 August 2019

Journalists Physically and Verbally Attacked at Marakana Stadium
OSCE representative for Media Freedom condemned physical attacks & threats against N1 and Federalnaba TV journalists by football fans and called on the Serbian authorities to condemn these attacks and prosecute the perpetrators.

28 August 2019

At Least Nine Journalists Detained for Reporting on Protests against Government-Appointed Trustees
OSCE Media Freedom Representative raises concern over recent detentions of journalists covering public protests in Turkey

27 August 2019

Reporters Atanas Tchobanov and Asen Yordanov Subjected to Judicial Probe
Response from the Bulgarian authorities

27 August 2019

Bulgaria: Journalists Injured by Police During Protest
Response from the Bulgarian authorities

27 August 2019

Bulgaria: Investigative journalist attacked
Response from the Bulgarian authorities

27 August 2019

Bulgarian Investigative Journalist's Car Set on Fire following Warnings about TV Reports
Response from the Bulgarian authorities

27 August 2019

Journalist Stoyan Tonchev Brutally Attacked
Response from the Bulgarian authorities

23 August 2019

Mass Surveillance Operation on Slovak Journalists
On 22 August 2019, the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) evaluated the effectiveness of the existing framework to prevent corruption in central government and law enforcement agencies and published a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening transparency, integrity and accountability in public life.

23 August 2019

Slovak Journalist Gets a Suspended Sentence for Defamation
On 22 August 2019, the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) evaluated the effectiveness of the existing framework to prevent corruption in central government and law enforcement agencies and published a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening transparency, integrity and accountability in public life.

23 August 2019

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home
On 22 August 2019, the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) evaluated the effectiveness of the existing framework to prevent corruption in central government and law enforcement agencies and published a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening transparency, integrity and accountability in public life.

22 August 2019

Italian Interior Minister's Security Escort Officer Threatens a Journalist
Reply from the Italian authorities (Ministry of Interior)

20 August 2019

N1 TV Reporter in Kosovo Zana Cimili Received Death Threats
Reply from the Serbian authorities (Ministry of the Interior)

16 August 2019

Mass Surveillance Operation on Slovak Journalists
Official response of the Government of Slovakia

14 August 2019

Austrian News Anchor Targeted in Intimidation Campaign
Reply from the Austrian authorities

13 August 2019

WDR Journalist Georg Restle Receives Death Threat After Criticising Right-Wing Party AfD
Reply from the German authorities

8 August 2019

Journalist Nadia Daam Harassed and Target of Death Threats on Social Network
Reply from the French authorities

7 August 2019

Court Imposes Access Block on News Portals and Social Media
OSCE Media Freedom Representative raises concern and calls to end blocking of Bianet and other social media and news sites in Turkey

7 August 2019

Journalists Beaten and Detained at Protests in Moscow
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recommends that the Russian authorities ensure that human rights are respected in the context of policing of assemblies.

2 August 2019

Brutal Attack on the Ukrainian National News Agency Ukrinform
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media condemns attack on press center of Ukrinform news agency and calls on the authorities to fully investigate the incident.

1 August 2019

Journalist Ariane Chemin Summoned by Intelligence Services
Reply from the French authorities

1 August 2019

Three Journalists Summoned for Compromising National Defense Classification
Reply from the French authorities

31 July 2019

Journalists Beaten and Detained at Protests in Moscow
OSCE Representative expresses concern about obstruction to journalists’ activities at Moscow demonstration, calls for respect of media’s role during public events.

29 July 2019

New “Anti-defamation” Legislative Package Threatens Online Media Freedom
OSCE Media Freedom Representative presents new review of laws on online media in Albania, recommends further improvements

25 July 2019

Weekly Athens Voice Attacked by Anarchist Group
Reply from the Greek Authorities

24 July 2019

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation
OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes acquittal of Turkish journalists Erol Önderoğlu, Ahmet Nesin and human rights defender Şebnem Korur Fincancı.

23 July 2019

Russia Investigates Reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva, Seizes Property over Allegations of "Justifying Terrorism"
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights asks High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation to continue to accord close attention to this case with a view to ensuring full respect of Ms Prokopyeva’s rights and freedoms

22 July 2019

Georgian TV Channel Rustavi 2 Faces Crippling Court Measures in Civil Case
On 18 July 2019, the ECHR rejected the complaints introduced by Rustavi’s owner’s and the channel itself. The Court found no violation of article 6 § 1 in relation to allegations that the judges examining the ownership row had lacked independence and impartiality. The Court also rejected as inadmissible the remaining complaints, including in particular allegations that the proceedings had been a State-led campaign to silence the television channel.

18 July 2019

Polish Court Bans Reporter Anna Wilk from Journalism for 3 years in Criminal Libel Suit
Information from the Polish authorities

18 July 2019

Georgian TV Channel Rustavi 2 Faces Crippling Court Measures in Civil Case
On 18 July 2019, the European Court of Human Rights upheld the verdicts of the Georgian courts and allowed the return of the Rustavi 2 shares to its former owner Kibar Khalvashi.

16 July 2019

TV Channel '112 Ukraine' Kyiv Office Targeted by a Grenade
OSCE Media Freedom Representative Statement: "OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns attack against Ukrainian TV channel 112 in Ukraine"

15 July 2019

Greek CNN Reporter Mina Karamitrou's Car Destroyed by Bomb
Reply from the Greek Authorities

12 July 2019

Cameraman Vadim Makaryuk Severely Assaulted
OSCE Media Freedom Representative Statement: "OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns attack on cameraman Vadim Makaryuk in Ukraine, calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate it"

11 July 2019

Romanian Investigative Journalist Diana Oncioiu Receives Anonymous Death Threat
Response from the Romanian authorities

9 July 2019

Police Assault on the Journalist Enver Doçi
Reply from the Albanian authorities

8 July 2019

Draft Bill to Allow Blocking of Internet Sites Without a Court Order
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

4 July 2019

Slovakia Seeks to Introduce Right of Reply for Politicians
Reply from the Government of the Slovak Republic

2 July 2019

Austrian Politician Heinz-Christian Strache Sues German Newspapers over 'Ibiza Video'
Reply by the German authorities

27 June 2019

Ukrainian Journalist Vadym Komarov in Coma Following Assault
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

27 June 2019

Attempt to Search Mediapart's Newsroom
Reply from the French authorities

27 June 2019

Arson Attack against France Bleu Isère Radio Station
Reply from the French authorities

27 June 2019

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
On 26 June 2019, PACE adopted the resolution on Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination and demanded the setting up of an independent public inquiry into her death within three months.

21 June 2019

German Draft Legislation Would Enable Intelligence Agencies to Spy on Journalists
Reply by the German Government

20 June 2019

Ukrainian Journalist Vadym Komarov in Coma Following Assault
The Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights deeply saddened by the death of investigative journalist Vadym Komarov

20 June 2019

Ukrainian Journalist Vadym Komarov in Coma Following Assault
OSCE Media Representative deeply shocked by death of journalist Vadim Komarov in Ukraine, calls on authorities to bring perpetrators to justice

19 June 2019

Russian Editor Arrested, Allegedly Injured in Custody; Newspaper Raided
OSCE media freedom representative welcomes release of journalist Igor Rudnikov, calls on authorities in Russia to drop all charges

14 June 2019

Journalist Roberto Saviano Threatened with Withdrawal of his Police Protection
Response from the Italian authorities

11 June 2019

Finland: Court Convicts Journalist Johanna Vehkoo on Defamation Charges
Reply by the Government of Finland

11 June 2019

Finland: Unclear Legal Framework for Guaranteeing Journalists’ Rights Covering Protests
Reply by the Government of Finland

10 June 2019

Investigative Journalist Ivan Golunov, Known For His Investigations Into Political Corruption, Arrested For “Selling Drugs”
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe calls on the Minister of Interior of the Russian Federation "to personally address this situation."

7 June 2019

Investigative Journalist Ivan Golunov, Known For His Investigations Into Political Corruption, Arrested For “Selling Drugs”
Detention of investigative journalist Ivan Golunov in Russia deeply worrying says OSCE media freedom representative, calls on authorities to release him.

7 June 2019

Italy: Journalist Valentino Gonzato Assaulted, Robbed while Reporting in Park
Response from the Italian authorities

6 June 2019

Polish Court Bans Reporter Anna Wilk from Journalism for 3 years in Criminal Libel Suit
OSCE Media Freedom Representative raises serious concerns about banning of journalist Anna Wilk in Poland from practising profession for three years.

4 June 2019

Albania: Journalists and Photographers Injured by Police During Anti-Government Protests
Reply from the Albanian authorities

3 June 2019

Turkish Journalists Beaten, Shot by Unknown Groups
OSCE Media Freedom Representative strongly condemns shooting of journalist Hakan Denizli, expresses alarm about dire safety conditions in Turkey.

27 May 2019

Public TV Building Stormed by Anti-Government Protesters
Reply from the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Serbia

17 May 2019

Journalist İdris Özyol Severely Beaten Up
OSCE Media Freedom Representative deplores physical attacks on journalists in Turkey, urges authorities to swiftly bring all responsible to justice.

17 May 2019

Journalist Yavuz Selim Demirağ Severly Beaten Up
OSCE Media Freedom Representative deplores physical attacks on journalists in Turkey, urges authorities to swiftly bring all responsible to justice

9 May 2019

Ukrainian Journalist Vadym Komarov in Coma Following Assault
OSCE Media Freedom Representative appalled by attempted murder of journalist in Cherkasy, Ukraine, calls for effective investigation.

7 May 2019

Georgian TV Journalist Assaulted by Security Services and Deported
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

29 April 2019

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
OSCE Media Freedom Representative appalled by return to prison of former Cumhuriyet journalists in Turkey, calls for their immediate release.

26 April 2019

Head of Public Broadcaster Sacked
Reply from the Government of Montenegro

25 April 2019

Proposals for Online Harms Regulation Risk Impacting Media Freedom
Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

25 April 2019

Prva TV Crew Attacked in Leskovac, Serbia
Reply from the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Serbia

25 April 2019

Intimidation Campaign against NUNS (Independent Journalists Association of Serbia)
Reply from the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Serbia

25 April 2019

Serbian Reporter Lidija Valtner Attacked During New Serbian President’s Inauguration
Reply from the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Serbia

25 April 2019

Impunity in the Case of the Murder of Dada Vujasinovic
Reply from the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Serbia

24 April 2019

Journalist Lyra McKee Killed in Northern Ireland
OSCE Media Freedom Representative strongly condemns killing of journalist in United Kingdom, calls for thorough investigation.

23 April 2019

Russia: President Putin Signs into Law Russia’s “Fake News” and “Internet Insults” Bans
New Russian laws could further limit media freedom, says OSCE Representative Harlem Désir.

19 April 2019

Journalist Lyra McKee Killed in Northern Ireland
The Commissioner for Human Rights shocked by the killing of journalist Lyra McKee in Northern Ireland

19 April 2019

Russian Draft Legislation Would Ban Distribution of Foreign Print Media Without Government Permission
OSCE Media Freedom Representative Statement: "OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned about amendments introducing liability for distribution of foreign print media without authorization in Russia"

10 April 2019

Public TV Building Stormed by Anti-Government Protesters
Reply from the Serbian authorities

4 April 2019

Özgür Gündem Daily Shut Down and Journalists’ Homes Raided in Turkey
OSCE Media Freedom Representative says sentencing journalists to prison greatly damages media freedom in Turkey following Özgür Gündem trial.

4 April 2019

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation
Sentencing journalists to prison greatly damages media freedom in Turkey, says OSCE Media Freedom Representative.

4 April 2019

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation
OSCE Media Freedom Representative says sentencing journalists to prison greatly damages media freedom in Turkey following Özgür Gündem trial.

2 April 2019

N1TV Journalists Subjected to Death Threats
Reply from the Serbian authorities

2 April 2019

N1TV Journalists Subjected to Death Threats
On 29 March 2019, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir denounced threats against journalists of the N1 news channel in Serbia. In a letter sent on 27 March 2019 to the Prime Minister of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, the OSCE Representative expressed his concern about the threats and pressure against the N1 news channel.

27 March 2019

Slovakia Seeks to Introduce Right of Reply for Politicians
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media publishes legal review of amendments on the right of reply to the Slovak Press Statute, urges further changes.

22 March 2019

Editor-in-chief of News Channel LA7 Receives Threatening Letter Signed with Swastika
Response from the Italian authorities

22 March 2019

Neo-Fascists Attacked Two Italian Journalists
Response from the Italian authorities

22 March 2019

Investigative Journalist Receives Death Threats, Targeted by Attempted Arson Attack
Response from the Italian authorities

22 March 2019

Neofascist Threats against Journalist Paolo Berizzi
Response from the Italian authorities

22 March 2019

Italian Journalist Subjected to Death Threat
Response from the Italian authorities

22 March 2019

Vijesti Investigative Journalist Olivera Lakić Shot and Injured
Reply from the Government of Montenegro

20 March 2019

Wave of Lawsuits Against Journalists in Croatia
Response from the Croatian authorities

20 March 2019

Impunity in the case of the murder of Dusko Jovanovic
Reply from the Government of Montenegro

19 March 2019

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home
Statement of the Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the Council of Europe

18 March 2019

Public TV Building Stormed by Anti-Government Protesters
OSCE Media Freedom Representative stresses necessity of debate on Serbian public service broadcaster (RTS), but raises concern regarding incident at RTS.

15 March 2019

Polish Party Leader Initiates Libel Charge Against Critical Newspaper
Information from Polish authorities

15 March 2019

Kherson daily “Novyi Den” Tear-Gassed and Shot at During Press Conference
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

15 March 2019

Belarusian Journalist Pavel Karnazytsky Deported from Ukraine
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

15 March 2019

Journalists Attacked by Far-Right Radicals
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

14 March 2019

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home
OSCE Representative commends indictment against instigator of murders of journalist Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová in Slovakia

11 March 2019

Wave of Lawsuits Against Journalists in Croatia
OSCE Representative concerned about numerous lawsuits against journalists in Croatia and disputes involving public service broadcaster HRT.

8 March 2019

Ukraine Places Entry Ban on Austrian Correspondent
OSCE Media Freedom Representative calls on Ukrainian authorities to reverse entry ban for Austrian journalist.

1 March 2019

Romanian Media Regulator Imposes 10-minute Blackout on Realitatea TV
Reply from the Romanian authorities (National Audiovisual Council)

26 February 2019

Repeated Police Violence Against Journalists Covering Protests
The Commissioner for Human Rights sends a Memorandum to the French Government

26 February 2019

Repeated Attacks on Journalists by the 'Yellow Vest' Protestors
The Commissioner for Human Rights sends a Memorandum to the French Government

22 February 2019

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home
CoE Human Rights Commissioner encouraged by the various developments in the murder investigations, which so far have led to the arrest of four persons suspected of being involved in the murders, and the possible identification of one person who may have ordered them. However, she calls for extreme vigilance to guarantee the independence of the investigation.

20 February 2019

Investigative Journalist Milan Jovanović Attacked with Molotov Cocktail
Reply from the Serbian authorities (information from the Ministry of Interior)

19 February 2019

Russia Investigates Reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva, Seizes Property over Allegations of "Justifying Terrorism"
On 19 February 2019, CoE Human Rights Commissioner published a letter in which she asks the High Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation, Tatiana Moskalkova, to accord close attention to the case of Svetlana Prokopyeva, stressing that misuse of anti-terrorism legislation limits media freedom and freedom of expression.

15 February 2019

Repeated Attacks on Journalists by the 'Yellow Vest' Protestors
Reply from the French authorities (in French)

13 February 2019

Russia Investigates Reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva, Seizes Property over Allegations of "Justifying Terrorism"
OSCE Media Freedom Representative calls for dropping of criminal charges against Radio Ekho Moskvy journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva in Russia.

11 February 2019

Slovakia Seeks to Introduce Right of Reply for Politicians
OSCE Media Freedom Representative calls for repeal of Slovak Press Act amendments on right of reply.

31 January 2019

Media Council Refuses to Renew Broadcasting Licences of Two Radio Stations
Reply from the Hungarian authorities (information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

31 January 2019

Criminal Charges Brought Against Hungarian Investigative Journalist András Dezső
Reply from the Hungarian authorities (information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

31 January 2019

Journalist Lili Bayer Verbally Attacked by Government Spokesperson
Reply from the Hungarian authorities (information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

31 January 2019

The Website 888.hu Publishes a List of Eight Journalists Described as "Propagandists"
Reply from the Hungarian authorities (information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

31 January 2019

Hungarian Journalist Júlia Halász Attacked and Violently Expelled from Fidesz’s Public Meeting in Budapest
Reply from the Hungarian authorities (information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

31 January 2019

Largest Opposition Daily Suspended in Hungary
Reply from the Hungarian authorities (information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

29 January 2019

Arson Attack against France Bleu Isère Radio Station
Media Freedom Representative strongly condemns arson attack on studios of France Bleu Isère radio in Grenoble, calls for swift and thorough investigation

29 January 2019

New Pro-Government Media Conglomerate Threatens Media Pluralism
Reply from the Hungarian authorities (information received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)

25 January 2019

Kherson daily “Novyi Den” Tear-Gassed and Shot at During Press Conference
Alarmed at attack on office of Novyi Den newspaper, the OSCE Representative on Media Freedom calls on the authorities to fully investigate and prosecute the attackers.

24 January 2019

Terrorist Attack against Skai TV and Khatimerini Newspaper
Reply from the Greek authorities (information from the Ministry of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights)

23 January 2019

Death threats against journalist Tatjana Vojtehovski and her daughter
Reply from the Serbian authorities (information from the Ministry of the Interior)

23 January 2019

A Journalist Dismissed Under the Pressure of Supporters of a Football Club
Reply from the Greek authorities

23 January 2019

Repeated Police Violence Against Journalists Covering Protests
Reply from the French authorities

23 January 2019

Death Threat Against Journalist Costas Constantinou
Reply of the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus

21 January 2019

Journalists Detained on Account of Social Media Posts Critical of the Military Operation in Afrin
Relieved that Seda Taşkın was released, the OSCE Representative hopes for her acquittal on appeal.

15 January 2019

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan
On 10 January 2019, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) delivered its judgment in one of the cases filed by Khadija Imsayilova (as the target of a systematic smear campaign comprising threats, intimidations and gross violations of her privacy designed to prevent her from pursuing her journalistic work). The ECtHR found violations of Articles 8 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights by Azerbaijan in respect of these intrusions into the journalist's private life.

14 January 2019

Journalist Ivan Žada Subjected to Threats
Response from the Croatian authorities

8 January 2019

Threats to the Independence of the Lithuanian LRT
Response of the Government of Lithuania 

7 January 2019

Mehman Huseynov Sentenced to Two Years on Defamation Charges
Commissioner calls on the authorities of Azerbaijan to drop charges against Mehman Huseynov

7 January 2019

Mehman Huseynov Sentenced to Two Years on Defamation Charges
PACE co-rapporteurs for the monitoring of Azerbaijan call upon authorities to review Mehman Huseynov’s case

20 December 2018

Turkish Journalist Kamil Demirkaya Detained in Romania
Reply from the Romanian authorities

13 December 2018

Attempt to Silence Polish Newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza
The information provided by the National Bank of Poland

13 December 2018

Ukraine Court Allows Prosecutors Access to Investigative Journalist's Phone Records
On 18 October 2018, the European Court of Human Rights decided to extend its order banning public authorities in Ukraine from accessing cell phone data belonging to journalist Natalia Sedletska. The ban is in force “until further notice".

10 December 2018

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation
OSCE Representative is alarmed that Turkey appeals court upheld sentences of journalists Ayşe Düzkan, Ragıp Duran, Mehmet Ali Çelebi, Hüseyin Bektaş and Hüseyin Aykol for “terrorism propaganda” in the Özgür Gündem trial. Journalistic activities and solidarity are not crimes.

5 December 2018

Investigative Journalists Detained in Bulgaria
Reply from the Bulgarian authorities

5 December 2018

Bulgaria: Investigative journalist attacked
Reply from the Bulgarian authorities

3 December 2018

Media Freedom Advocates Raise Alarm over UK Counter-Terror Bill
United Kingdom Government's response

29 November 2018

Public Radio Journalist Sanctioned for Refusing to Broadcast Discriminatory Information
Information from the Polish authorities

28 November 2018

Repeated Attacks on Journalists by the 'Yellow Vest' Protestors
Recent attacks against journalists while covering protests are unacceptable. Journalists must be able to work, and inform the citizens on public demonstrations, safely.

28 November 2018

Investigative Journalists Detained in Bulgaria
OSCE Representative welcomes court ruling that police detention of investigative journalists Atilla Biro & Dimitar Stoyanov in Bulgaria was illegal.

28 November 2018

Former Prime Minister Publicly Insults Two Journalists
OSCE representative welcomes conviction of senior politician in Slovenia for Tweet calling two journalists "prostitutes" in relation to their reporting in 2016. The 3-month prison sentence suspended for 1 year of probation is a strong sign that such abuse should not be tolerated.

23 November 2018

Spanish Public Security Law Threatens Freedom of Press
CoE Human Rights Commissioner urges Spain to ensure that the Law on Citizens’ Safety upholds the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly.

19 November 2018

Data Protection Authority Requests the Disclosure of Journalistic Sources
Reply from the Romanian authorities

19 November 2018

Data Protection Authority Requests the Disclosure of Journalistic Sources
OSCE media freedom representative calls for protection of journalists' right to confidential sources in Romania

19 November 2018

Financial Regulatory Authority Requests the Disclosure of Journalistic Sources
Reply from the Maltese authorities

17 November 2018

Data Protection Authority Requests the Disclosure of Journalistic Sources
Noting with concern that Romania’s data protection authority recently requested that RISE Project ... disclose information on the sources of their investigative report on a case of alleged fraud involving European funds, or face the threat of a 20 million Euro fine in case of non-compliance, the CoE Commissioner for Human Rights urged the Romanian authorities to withdraw these measures and avoid similar cases in the future.

16 November 2018

Investigative Journalist Receives Death Threats, Targeted by Attempted Arson Attack
OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns attempted arson attack at home of Rai 3 journalist in Italy

16 November 2018

Austria Interior Ministry Plans to Restrict Information Access for 'Critical Media'
Reply from the Austrian authorities

14 November 2018

Dutch Biggest Daily De Telegraaf Attacked in Latest Incident Targeting Media
Reply of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

13 November 2018

Controversial "Election" of Agence France Presse CEO
Reply from the French authorities

9 November 2018

Journalist Zeljko Matorcevic Physically Attacked
Reply from the Serbian authorities

9 November 2018

Three Fileleftheros Journalists Detained After Defence Minister Files Libel Complaint
Response from the Greek authorities (Ministry of Citizen's Protection)

9 November 2018

Bulgarian Journalist Georgi Ezekiev, Zov News Website Publisher, Receives Death Threat in a Filmed Interview
Reply from the Bulgarian authorities

7 November 2018

Russian Editor Arrested, Allegedly Injured in Custody; Newspaper Raided
One year after arrest of Russian journalist Igor Rudnikov, OSCE Representative reiterates call for his release

5 November 2018

Russian Whistleblower, Daphne Caruana Galizia’s Source, Faces Arrest Warrant in Cyprus after Complaint from Former Employer
Official reply of the Cyprus Authorities

29 October 2018

Heavy Fine Against Independent News Website The New Times
Council of Europe Secretary General : "Excessive fine for ‘New Times’ endangers media pluralism and press freedom"

29 October 2018

Heavy Fine Against Independent News Website The New Times
OSCE Reprensentative on Freedom of the Media: "High fine threatening closure of online Russian news outlet is detrimental to freedom of media, says OSCE media freedom representative"

29 October 2018

RIA Novosti Journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky Held on Treason Allegations in Ukraine
OSCE Representative expresses serious concern about lasting pre-trial detention of journalist Kirill Vyshinsky in Ukraine.

25 October 2018

Bulgarian Journalist Viktoria Marinova Killed
Reply from the Bulgarian authorities

16 October 2018

Cyprus: Police Reporter's Car Set on Fire
Official reply of the Authorities of the Republic of Cyprus

15 October 2018

Journalist Zeljko Matorcevic Physically Attacked
OSCE Representative strongly condemns physical attack against Željko Matorčević.

12 October 2018

Bulgarian Journalist Viktoria Marinova Killed
OSCE media freedom representative welcomes progress in investigation of killing of Bulgarian journalist, urges full and thorough investigation.

12 October 2018

Journalists Detained on Account of Social Media Posts Critical of the Military Operation in Afrin
OSCE Representative appalled by Muş 2nd Heavy Penal Court 7.5 yrs prison sentence to reporter at Seda Taşkın for "aiding and abetting terrorist organisation as non-member".

9 October 2018

Bulgarian Journalist Viktoria Marinova Killed
Co-rapporteurs of the PACE for post-monitoring dialogue with Bulgaria appalled by the murder of the journalist Viktoria Marinova urge the Bulgarian authorities to thoroughly investigate her murder and abuse immediately.

9 October 2018

Threats against Slovenian journalists
Reply of the Republic of Slovenia

8 October 2018

Bulgarian Journalist Viktoria Marinova Killed
OSCE Representative shocked by murder of Bulgarian journalist, calls for justice and thorough investigation.

8 October 2018

Bulgarian Journalist Viktoria Marinova Killed
CoE Human Rights Commissioner calls on the authorities to urgently and fully investigate this horrendous crime and ensure that those responsible, including the masterminds, are held accountable.

8 October 2018

Bulgarian Journalist Viktoria Marinova Killed
CoE Secretary General calls on the Bulgarian authorities to rapidly conduct a thorough investigation of the horrific killing of investigative reporter Viktoria Marinova.

5 October 2018

Serbian journalist Stefan Cvetković reported missing
Reply from the Serbian authorities (Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia)

4 October 2018

Ukraine Court Allows Prosecutors Access to Investigative Journalist's Phone Records
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

4 October 2018

Media Freedom Activist Emin Huseynov Charged with Tax Evasion and Abuse of Power
Commissioner Mijatović intervenes before the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Emin Huseynov v. Azerbaijan.

3 October 2018

Media Freedom Advocates Raise Alarm over UK Counter-Terror Bill
OSCE Representative expresses concerns regarding draft UK Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill, urges Government to safeguard media freedom.

3 October 2018

Journalist Anthi Pazianou harassed by extreme-right groups
Reply from the Greek authorities (Ministry of Citizen's protection)

1 October 2018

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home
Reply from the Slovak authorities

1 October 2018

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home
OSCE media freedom representative welcomes important progress in investigation of murders of Ján Kuciak and Martina Kušnírová in Slovakia.

27 September 2018

Austria Interior Ministry Plans to Restrict Information Access for 'Critical Media'
OSCE Representative calls on Austrian Ministry of Interior to treat all media equally and to refrain from attacking them.

27 September 2018

Three Fileleftheros Journalists Detained After Defence Minister Files Libel Complaint
OSCE Representative denounces arrest of Greek journalists after criminal defamation suit by Defence Minister, urges decriminalization of defamation.

27 September 2018

Russia: Proposed Amendments to Criminal Code Threaten Media Freedom
OSCE Representative calls on Russia to drop legislative amendments that could undermine freedom of expression and access to information.

27 September 2018

Government Plan to Strongly Reduce Funding for Public Service Broadcasting
OSCE Representative calls on Ukrainian authorities to reinstate broadcasts by public service broadcaster UA:PBC and urgently resolve funding problems .

24 September 2018

Vijesti Investigative Journalist Olivera Lakić Shot and Injured
Reply from the Government of Montenegro

21 September 2018

Police Searched the Home of Journalist Salvo Palazzolo
OSCE Representative concerned over seizure of equipment at an Italian journalist’s home.

21 September 2018

Russian Union of Journalists’ President Banned from Entering Ukraine
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

20 September 2018

Ukraine Court Allows Prosecutors Access to Investigative Journalist's Phone Records
OSCE media freedom representative welcomes decision by European Court of Human Rights to safeguard phone data of Ukrainian journalist.

19 September 2018

Ukraine Court Allows Prosecutors Access to Investigative Journalist's Phone Records
On 18 September 2018, the European Court of Human Rights has ordered the Ukrainian government to abstain from accessing any data from the cell phone of investigative reporter Natalya Sedletska. The interim order is in effect until October 2018 and can be extended afterwards if need be. The Court also decided to give priority to Mrs Sedletska's application.

19 September 2018

United Kingdom: Two Journalists Arrested over Alleged Theft of Documents relating to Northern Ireland Massacre
Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

18 September 2018

Journalist Extradited from Ukraine to Turkey
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

17 September 2018

A Telemadrid Cameraman Assaulted by Protesters in Barcelona
Reply from the Spanish authorities (in French)

17 September 2018

UK Draft Bill on Surveillance Threatens Protection of Journalists' Sources
OSCE Representative welcomes landmark decision by European Court of Human Rights on Investigatory Powers Act in the United Kingdom

14 September 2018

Journalist Stratis Balaska Threatened by Golden Dawn Members
Reply from the Greek authorities (Response from the Ministry of Citizen's protection)

14 September 2018

Ukrainian Journalist Held on ‘Spying‘ Allegations
OSCE Representative reiterates call to release journalist Roman Sushchenko, following Russian Supreme Court upholding his sentence

13 September 2018

UK Draft Bill on Surveillance Threatens Protection of Journalists' Sources
On 13 September 2018, the ECHR ruled that the bulk interception regime and the regime for obtaining communications data from communications service providers violated both article 8 and article 10. With regard to article 10, the Court stressed that there were insufficient safeguards in respect of confidential journalistic material. It further found that the regime for sharing intelligence with foreign governments did not violate either Article 8 or Article 10. This judgment is not final.

12 September 2018

Austrian Journalist Max Zirngast Detained in Turkey
OSCE Representative strongly condemns detention of Austrian journalist Max Zirngast and urge authorities to immediately release him.

12 September 2018

Journalist Anthi Pazianou harassed by extreme-right groups
OSCE Representative calls on authorities to fully investigate case of journalist Anthi Pazianou.

11 September 2018

BN TV Correspondent Attacked by Two Masked Persons in Banja Luka
OSCE Representative welcomes that one of attackers responsible for severe beating of journalist Vladimir Kovačević in Banja Luka has been arrested and will continue closely following further investigation.

7 September 2018

Ukraine Court Allows Prosecutors Access to Investigative Journalist's Phone Records
OSCE Media Freedom Representative seriously concerned by Court order for disclosure of another investigative journalists’ data and reiterates his call to respect journalists’ right to protection of sources.

7 September 2018

Ukraine Court Allows Prosecutors Access to Investigative Journalist's Phone Records
PACE Rapporteur on media freedom and the safety of journalists calls for respect of confidentiality of journalists’ sources.

6 September 2018

Amendments to the Electoral Code Empower State Election Commission to Issue Fines to Media for ‘Unbalanced Reporting'
Reply from the authorities of “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”

5 September 2018

Ukraine Court Allows Prosecutors Access to Investigative Journalist's Phone Records
OSCE Representative calls on Ukrainian authorities to respect journalists’ privilege of confidentiality of sources

4 September 2018

United Kingdom: Two Journalists Arrested over Alleged Theft of Documents relating to Northern Ireland Massacre
OSCE media freedom representative seriously concerned by arrest of journalists in UK

4 September 2018

Journalists Beaten by Riot Police During Bucharest Protest
Reply from the Romanian Government

31 August 2018

Shots Fired at Family Home of Albanian Investigative Reporter
OSCE Media Freedom Representative strongly condemns shooting at family home of journalist in Albania, calls on authorities to urgently address case

31 August 2018

Shots Fired at Family Home of Albanian Investigative Reporter
Reply from the Albanian authorities

29 August 2018

Journalist Stratis Balaska Threatened by Golden Dawn Members
Response of the Greek authorities (Ministry of Justice, Transparency and Human Rights)

28 August 2018

Vijesti Investigative Journalist Olivera Lakić Shot and Injured
Reply from the Government of Montenegro

28 August 2018

Montenegrin Journalist Targeted in Car Bombing
Reply from the Government of Montenegro

28 August 2018

Journalist Vladimir Otasevic Faced Insults and Death Threats
Reply from the Government of Montenegro

28 August 2018

Freelance Journalist and Fixer Jovo Martinovic Tried for “Being a Member of a Criminal Organization”
Reply from the Government of Montenegro

28 August 2018

Gojko Raičević Regularly Targeted by Authorities in Montenegro
Reply from the Government of Montenegro

28 August 2018

Police Used Teargas Against a Group of About 30 Journalists
Reply from the Government of Montenegro

27 August 2018

BN TV Correspondent Attacked by Two Masked Persons in Banja Luka
Shocked by the violent assault on Vladimir Kovačević, the CoE Commissioner for Human Rights calls on the authorities of Republika Srpska to identify and punish those responsible for the attack.

27 August 2018

BN TV Correspondent Attacked by Two Masked Persons in Banja Luka
OSCE Representative condemns physical attack against journalist in Bosnia and Herzegovina and urges swift investigation

24 August 2018

BHRT News Team Attacked by a Group of Fifteen Persons in Konjic
OSCE Representative condemns assault on BHRT crew after sporting event in Konjic and welcomes investigation by authorities.

24 August 2018

Ukrainian Journalist Stanyslav Aseev Missing in Donbass
OSCE Media Freedom Representative reiterates call for release of Stanislav Aseev following journalists’ first public appearance since being detained

21 August 2018

Two Russian Journalists Barred from Entering Country
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

20 August 2018

Reporters Detained by Police after Complaint by Anti-Merkel Protester
OSCE Representative for Media Freedom calls for an investigation into the temporary detention by police of ZDF team in Dresden

16 August 2018

Journalists Beaten by Riot Police During Bucharest Protest
Greatly concerned by violence against journalists during recent protests, the OSCE representative calls on authorities to swiftly investigate the incidents.

13 August 2018

Journalist Hospitalised Following Assault
Response by the Croatian authorities

6 August 2018

Journalist Enrico Nascimbeni Attacked with a Knife in Milan
OSCE Representative for media freedom calls for swift and effective investigation.

6 August 2018

Turkish Cypriot Journalists Sener Levent and Ali Osman Facing Charges in Turkey
Legal charges initiated by Turkey against Turkish Cypriot journalists Şener Levent and Ali Osman should be dropped, urges OSCE Representative

31 July 2018

Violence against Journalists during Veteran Protest in Sarajevo
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media condemns physical attack against two reporters of klix.ba & AJBalkans.

31 July 2018

Threats against the President of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

31 July 2018

Russian Media Organisations Banned for Three Years in Ukraine
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

31 July 2018

German Photographers Chased and Assaulted by Neo-Nazis
Reply by the German authorities

20 July 2018

Greek Journalist Tony Bosnakoudis Detained when Investigating Police and Bus Company Links to Illegal Traffickers
Reply from the Greek Authorities

19 July 2018

Journalist Extradited from Ukraine to Turkey
Deportation of journalist from Ukraine to Turkey reason for concern, OSCE media freedom representative says

18 July 2018

Police Failure to Respond to the Serious Threats a Journalist Received Online
Reply of the French authorities

17 July 2018

Masterminds still not Brought to Justice, Ten Years after the Murder of Novaya Gazeta Journalist Anna Politkovskaya
In today’s Chamber judgment in the case of Mazepa and Others v. Russia (application no. 15086/07) the European Court of Human Rights held that there had been a violation of Article 2 (right to life) of the European Convention on Human Rights. It ruled that investigation of journalist Anna Politkovskaya’s murder failed to look properly into who commissioned the crime.

12 July 2018

RIA Novosti Journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky Held on Treason Allegations in Ukraine
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

6 July 2018

Draft Bill to Allow Blocking of Internet Sites Without a Court Order
OSCE Representative raises concerns regarding Ukrainian draft law to counter threats to national security in the information sphere.

4 July 2018

Slovak Police Seize Mobile Phone of Czech Investigative Reporter
Statement of the Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the Council of Europe

4 July 2018

Slovak Journalist Gets a Suspended Sentence for Defamation
Statement of the Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the Council of Europe

29 June 2018

Dutch Biggest Daily De Telegraaf Attacked in Latest Incident Targeting Media
OSCE Representative condemns arson attack on offices of De Telegraaf newspaper

28 June 2018

Bulgarian Journalist Georgi Ezekiev, Zov News Website Publisher, Receives Death Threat in a Filmed Interview
Reply from the Government of Bulgaria

28 June 2018

Bulgarian Investigative Journalist's Car Set on Fire following Warnings about TV Reports
Reply from the Government of Bulgaria

28 June 2018

Bulgarian TV Presenter Assaulted and Injured in Central Sofia
Reply from the Government of Bulgaria

27 June 2018

Journalist Hospitalised Following Assault
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media condemned the physical attack and death threat against a journalist Hrvoje Bajlo.

27 June 2018

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
Pieter Omtzigt, who is preparing a report for the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on the investigation into the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and the rule of law in Malta, has been authorised by PACE’s Legal Affairs Committee to receive information from anonymous sources and to protect the identity of anyone who provides such information.

27 June 2018

Journalist Stoyan Tonchev Brutally Attacked
Reply from the Government of Bulgaria

6 June 2018

Threats against the President of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine
Ukrainian journalists and media must be able to express their opinions openly and freely, says OSCE Representative

6 June 2018

Ukraine: New draft Bill Risks Interfering with the Editorial Policy of the Public Service Media
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

6 June 2018

Ukrainian Journalist Stanyslav Aseev Missing in Donbass
OSCE Representative calls for immediate release of Donetsk journalist Stanislav Aseev one year after his illegal detention

5 June 2018

Corporate Secrets Bill Threatens Right to Information
Reply from the French Authorities (in French)

5 June 2018

The Weekly Challenges Convicted for Publishing an Article on the Financial Difficulties of an International Group
Reply from the French Authorities (in French)

5 June 2018

Ukrainian Journalist Held on ‘Spying‘ Allegations
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Harlem Désir, deplored the sentencing of Ukrainian journalist Roman Sushchenko to 12 years in prison in the Russian Federation, and reiterated his call to release the journalist.

18 May 2018

Slovak Police Seize Mobile Phone of Czech Investigative Reporter
'Protection of journalists' sources has to be recognized, (Pavla Holcova's) phone should be returned, privacy respected', says OSCE Media Freedom Representative

17 May 2018

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey
OSCE Media Freedom representative welcomes the release of journalists Ali Bulaç and Mehmet Özdemir from pre-trial detention and the vend of house arrest for Şahin Alpay, but increased sentences demanded against other defendants and continued arrests are of great concern.

16 May 2018

RIA Novosti Journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky Held on Treason Allegations in Ukraine
OSCE Representative raises concern over raid against Russian News Agency and TV today in Ukraine

16 May 2018

Russia: Proposed Amendments to Criminal Code Threaten Media Freedom
New amendment to Criminal Code poses threat to freedom of media in Russia, says OSCE Representative Désir.

16 May 2018

Malta Economy Minister Issues four Libel Suits and Warrants Against Blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia
OSCE representative welcomes decriminalization of defamation in Malta, urges dismissal of civil defamation lawsuits against Caruana Galizia’s heirs

9 May 2018

Vijesti Investigative Journalist Olivera Lakić Shot and Injured
OSCE Representative Désir strongly condemns shooting of journalist Olivera Lakić in Podgorica, call on authorities to bring perpetrators to justice

9 May 2018

Vijesti Investigative Journalist Olivera Lakić Shot and Injured
CoE Secretary General shocked over the attack on investigative journalist in Montenegro

9 May 2018

Vijesti Investigative Journalist Olivera Lakić Shot and Injured
Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights condemned the repeated assault on Olivera Lakić, investigative journalist at the daily Vijesti.

4 May 2018

Slovak Journalist Gets a Suspended Sentence for Defamation
Reply from the Slovak authorities

4 May 2018

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
Secretary General deeply worried by the chilling effect the heavy criminal sentences may have on media freedom

2 May 2018

Russia: Blocking of Telegram and Collateral Temporary Blocking of Media Sites
Blocking of Telegram and legal restrictions on social networks will limit freedom of expression in Russia, says OSCE Representative Désir.

2 May 2018

Ukrainian Police Accused of Violence against Journalists, Leaving one Hospitalized
Reply from the Government of Ukraine 

2 May 2018

Arson Attack on News Website in Northwestern Ukraine
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

26 April 2018

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
OSCE representative welcomes release of Akın Atalay in Turkey but strongly condemns prison sentences for Cumhuriyet journalists and staff.

25 April 2018

Russian Journalist Dies Under Suspicious Circumstances
OSCE media freedom representative shocked by death of journalist in Russia, calls for full, transparent and independent investigation

24 April 2018

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
PACE to monitor investigation into the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia

20 April 2018

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation
OSCE Media Freedom Representative declared that interim decision to prolonge trial of Kurdish newspaper Özgür Gündem editors, including Erol Önderoglu, Ahmet Nesin and Sebnem Korur Fincanci means chilling effect these trials impose on journalists will continue in Turkey and urged for acquittal so they can continue their work freely.

18 April 2018

ETHA Journalists Detained and Arrested in Turkey
OSCE Media Freedom Representative worried about the arrest Etkin Haber Ajans reporter Adil Demirci, on terrorism charges and continued detention of journalists Semiha Şahin, Pınar Gayıp.

18 April 2018

Azerbaijani Journalist With Dutch citizenship Fears for His Life after Attack In Kyiv
OSCE Media Freedom Representative relieved that exiled Azeri journo Fikret Huseynli is back in Netherlands.

17 April 2018

Armenian TV Station Editor Assaulted While Reporting on Road Building Project
Reply from the Armenian authorities

17 April 2018

Armenian Journalist Attacked While Covering Parliamentary Elections
Reply from the Armenian authorities

17 April 2018

Armenian Journalists Injured in Police Violence against Media Journalists covering Street Demonstrations
Reply from the Armenian authorities

17 April 2018

Journalists Beaten and Arrested while Covering Protest Demonstration
Reply from the Armenian authorities

16 April 2018

Increased Verbal Abuse Against Independent Serbian Media.
Reply from the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia  

16 April 2018

Serbian Weekly ‘Vranjske Novine’ Closed Following Administrative Harassment
Reply from the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia

16 April 2018

Journalists from Magločistač News Portal Receive Death Threats
Reply from the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia 

16 April 2018

Journalist Stefan Cvetkovic Sentenced to Jail for Unauthorised Publication
Reply from the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia

12 April 2018

Intimidation Campaign against NUNS (Independent Journalists Association of Serbia)
Reply from the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia

12 April 2018

Closure of the Serbian National Press Agency Tanjug
Reply from the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia

11 April 2018

Serbian Reporter Lidija Valtner Attacked During New Serbian President’s Inauguration
Reply from the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia

11 April 2018

Impunity in the Case of the Murder of Dada Vujasinovic
Reply from the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Serbia

6 April 2018

Azerbaijani Director of Internet Television Re-arrested
OSCE media freedom representative welcomes release of journalist Aziz Orudjev in Azerbaijan

5 April 2018

Montenegrin Journalist Targeted in Car Bombing
OSCE media freedom representative condemns bomb attack in Montenegro, commends swift police action

4 April 2018

Slovak Journalist Gets a Suspended Sentence for Defamation
OSCE media freedom representative calls on Slovakia to decriminalize defamation and respect journalists’ rights

3 April 2018

2 France 5 Journalists Denied Access to President Macron During his Visit to Lille
Reply from the French authorities (in French only)

3 April 2018

Journalist Caroline Christinaz from “Le Temps” of Geneva Questioned by the Police While on a Reporting Assignment in France
Reply from the French authorities (in French only)

28 March 2018

Slovenian Media under Police Pressure to Reveal Journalistic Sources
Reply of the Republic of Slovenia (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

28 March 2018

Two Ukrainian Journalists Sentenced to 9 Years’ Imprisonment for Assisting Separatism
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

23 March 2018

Greek Sport Journalist Aris Asvestas Assaulted for Second Time
Reply from the Greek Authorities

23 March 2018

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
All Cumhuriyet journalists must be released, says OSCE representative Désir following continued detention of CEO Atalay

21 March 2018

Strana Editor-in-Chief Flees, Seeks Asylum in Austria after Receiving Death Threats
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

20 March 2018

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV
On 20 March 2018, the European Court of Human Rights issued its Grand chamber judgment on Mehmet Altan’s case. The Court found there had been a violation of Article 5 § 1 (right to liberty and security) and a violation of Article 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention for Human Rights. With regards to article 5 §1, according to the Court findings, “Mr Altan’s continued pre-trial detention, after the Constitutional Court’s clear and unambiguous judgment of 11 January 2018 (…), could not be regarded as ‘lawful’ ”. The Court held that “for another court to call into question the powers conferred on a constitutional court to give final and binding judgments on individual applications ran counter to the fundamental principles of the rule of law and legal certainty, which (…) were the cornerstones of the guarantees against arbitrariness”. Under Article 10, the Court held in particular that “there was no reason to reach a different conclusion from that of the Constitutional Court, which had found that Mr Altan’s initial and continued pre-trial detention, following his expression of his opinions, constituted a severe measure that could not be regarded as a necessary and proportionate interference in a democratic society”. The Court pointed out in particular that “criticism of governments and publication of information regarded by a country’s leaders as endangering national interests should not attract criminal charges for particularly serious offences such as belonging to or assisting a terrorist organisation, attempting to overthrow the government or the constitutional order or disseminating terrorist propaganda”.

20 March 2018

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey
On 20 March 2018, the European Court of Human Rights issued its Grand chamber judgment on Şahin Alpay’s case. The Court found there had been a violation of Article 5 § 1 (right to liberty and security) and a violation of Article 10 (freedom of expression) of the European Convention for Human Rights. With regards to article 5 §1, according to the Court findings, “Mr Alpay’s continued pre-trial detention, after the Constitutional Court’s clear and unambiguous judgment of 11 January 2018 (…), could not be regarded as ‘lawful’ ”. The Court held that “for another court to call into question the powers conferred on a constitutional court to give final and binding judgments on individual applications ran counter to the fundamental principles of the rule of law and legal certainty, which (…) were the cornerstones of the guarantees against arbitrariness”. Under Article 46 (binding force and execution of judgments) of the Convention, the Court held that it was incumbent on the respondent State to ensure the termination of Mr Alpay’s pre-tria detention at the earliest possible date. Under Article 10, the Court held in particular that “there was no reason to reach a different conclusion from that of the Constitutional Court, which had found that Mr Alpay’s initial and continued pre-trial detention, following his expression of his opinions, constituted a severe measure that could not be regarded as a necessary and proportionate interference in a democratic society”. The Court pointed out in particular that “criticism of governments and publication of information regarded by a country’s leaders as endangering national interests should not attract criminal charges for particularly serious offences such as belonging to or assisting a terrorist organisation, attempting to overthrow the government or the constitutional order or disseminating terrorist propaganda”.

19 March 2018

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey
OSCE media freedom representative welcomes the release of Şahin Alpay but considers that "placing him under house arrest is contrary to the 2nd Constitutional Court ruling".

16 March 2018

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home
Following his country visit in the Slovak Republic, the Commissioner calls for a prompt and effective investigation in the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak in order to identify and punish the perpetrators, but especially those who ordered the murders. He also calls for an urgent public discussion about media freedom.

12 March 2018

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home
Response of the Slovak authorities

12 March 2018

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes the release of two Cumhuriyet journalists, calls on Turkey to free Akın Atalay and drop charges against all defendants

9 March 2018

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey
OSCE representative Désir urges Turkey to release and drop charges against 25 media workers sentenced to prison, including journalists Aksoy and Taş

2 March 2018

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home
OSCE media freedom representative calls for full and transparent investigation of journalist’s murder at meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Fico

1 March 2018

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home
PACE President condemns murder of investigative journalist in the Slovak Republic

27 February 2018

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home
Statement of the Permanent Representative of the Slovak Republic to the Council of Europe

26 February 2018

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home
Human Rights Commissioner: "I will raise the issue during upcoming visit to the country."

26 February 2018

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home
"If death of investigative reporter Jan Kuciak is linked to his journalism, it would be an unprecedented attack on freedom of the press and democracy".

26 February 2018

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media representative strongly condemns murder of investigative reporter Kuciak in Slovakia

23 February 2018

Increased Verbal Abuse Against Independent Serbian Media.
Commissioner for Human Rights: ‘Concerted efforts needed to protect media freedoms in Serbia’

23 February 2018

Journalist Philippe Bertinchamps Threatened with Expulsion in Serbia
Commissioner for Human Rights: ‘Concerted efforts needed to protect media freedoms in Serbia’

23 February 2018

Intimidation Campaign against NUNS (Independent Journalists Association of Serbia)
Commissioner for Human Rights: ‘Concerted efforts needed to protect media freedoms in Serbia’

23 February 2018

Serbian Weekly ‘Vranjske Novine’ Closed Following Administrative Harassment
Commissioner for Human Rights: ‘Concerted efforts needed to protect media freedoms in Serbia’

23 February 2018

Journalists from Magločistač News Portal Receive Death Threats
Commissioner for Human Rights: ‘Concerted efforts needed to protect media freedoms in Serbia’

23 February 2018

Serbian Reporter Lidija Valtner Attacked During New Serbian President’s Inauguration
Commissioner for Human Rights: ‘Concerted efforts needed to protect media freedoms in Serbia’

23 February 2018

Journalist Stefan Cvetkovic Sentenced to Jail for Unauthorised Publication
Commissioner for Human Rights: ‘Concerted efforts needed to protect media freedoms in Serbia’

23 February 2018

Radio Journalist and Presenter Found Dead in Home
Commissioner for Human Rights: ‘Concerted efforts needed to protect media freedoms in Serbia’

23 February 2018

Serbian Journalist Stevan Dojčinović Target of a Smear Campaign
Commissioner for Human Rights: ‘Concerted efforts needed to protect media freedoms in Serbia’

23 February 2018

Investigative Journalists Receive Several Death Threats, Broadcaster Claims
Commissioner for Human Rights: ‘Concerted efforts needed to protect media freedoms in Serbia’

23 February 2018

Closure of the Serbian National Press Agency Tanjug
Commissioner for Human Rights: ‘Concerted efforts needed to protect media freedoms in Serbia’

23 February 2018

Impunity in the Case of the Murder of Dada Vujasinovic
Commissioner for Human Rights: ‘Concerted efforts needed to protect media freedoms in Serbia’

23 February 2018

Serbian Journalist Predrag Blagojević Assaulted by Police at a Music Festival over Identification
Commissioner for Human Rights: ‘Concerted efforts needed to protect media freedoms in Serbia’

23 February 2018

Serbian Investigative Journalist Ivan Ninić Suffers Brutal Attack
Commissioner for Human Rights: ‘Concerted efforts needed to protect media freedoms in Serbia’

16 February 2018

"Die Welt" Correspondent in Turkey Deniz Yücel Detained
OSCE Media freedom representative welcomes the release of Deniz Yücel, adding that all charges against him should be dropped.

16 February 2018

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV
Life sentences for Turkish journalists are an unprecedented, unacceptable attack on freedom of expression, say OSCE representative on Media Freedom.

16 February 2018

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey
Life sentences for Turkish journalists are an unprecedented, unacceptable attack on freedom of expression, say OSCE representative on Media Freedom.

12 February 2018

Injunction Prohibiting Media from Reporting on the Financial Dealings of Iceland Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson
Response from the Icelandic authorities

12 February 2018

France 2 TV channel sued in a Commercial Court by the Bolloré Group
Reply of the French authorities

12 February 2018

Journalist Attacked in Paris by Members or Supporters of the Jewish Defense League
Reply of the French authorities

12 February 2018

Around Ten Journalists from France Télévisions Assaulted by Residents
Reply of the French authorities

9 February 2018

Journalists Victims of Police Violence During Demonstrations
Reply of the French authorities

9 February 2018

Programme Cancellation and Dismissal Threats Within the French Channel Canal+
Reply of the French authorities

8 February 2018

French Journalists and Magistrates Subject to Death Threats
Reply of the French authorities

8 February 2018

French Satellite Provider under Pressure to Remove Kurdish Med Nûçe TV
Reply of the French authorities

7 February 2018

Intimidation Campaign against NUNS (Independent Journalists Association of Serbia)
Labelling NUNS as the enemy of State can severely endanger safety of journalists and the work of this journalists’ association in Serbia, says OSCE Media Freedom representative who expects this incident to be swiftly investigated.

7 February 2018

Expulsion of Two Russian Journalists from Latvia
Response of the Republic of Latvia

7 February 2018

Front National Refuses to Grant Accreditations to Mediapart and Quotidien on the Occasion of the Party’s "Presidential Congress”
Reply of the French authorities

7 February 2018

The State of Emergency Permits a Ban on Journalists Covering Public Events
Reply of the French authorities

7 February 2018

French Journalists Victims of Phone Harassment
Reply of the French authorities

6 February 2018

Poland: New Bill Could Ban Journalists from Historical Debate
Response of the Government of Poland

5 February 2018

Poland Opens Investigation over Article Critical of Constitutional Tribunal President
Reply from the Polish authorities

2 February 2018

Poland: New Bill Could Ban Journalists from Historical Debate
New law on World War II crimes in Poland can threaten freedom of expression, says OSCE Representative Désir.

29 January 2018

Russia: Proposals to Extend 'Foreign Agents' Law to Media Outlets
Broadening of "foreign agents" status for media in Russia detrimental to freedom of expression online, says OSCE Representative

27 January 2018

Novaya Gazeta Correspondent to be Deported
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Harlem Désir welcomes Russian Supreme Court decision as positive step, calls for release of Ali Feruz.

25 January 2018

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
PACE appointed General Rapporteur on Media Freedom & the protection of journalists will make his first inquiry into the murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

25 January 2018

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
PACE adopts a motion for a resolution 'Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination and the rule of law, in Malta and beyond: ensuring that the whole truth emerges'

24 January 2018

Journalists’ Union ESIEMTH and Two Municipal Media Attacked in Thessaloniki
Response from the Greek authorities

19 January 2018

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
The Council of Europe Secretary General refers to the recent decisions of Turkey’s Constitutional Court in his address to the Committee of Ministers

19 January 2018

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV
The Council of Europe Secretary General refers to the recent decisions of Turkey’s Constitutional Court in his address to the Committee of Ministers

19 January 2018

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey
The Council of Europe Secretary General refers to the recent decisions of Turkey’s Constitutional Court in his address to the Committee of Ministers

15 January 2018

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan
OSCE media freedom representative Désir condemns jailing of investigative journalist Afgan Mukhtarli in Azerbaijan

5 January 2018

Expulsion of Two Russian Journalists from Latvia
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media expresses concern regarding expulsion of Russian journalist Olga Kurlaeva from Latvia

31 December 2017

Journalist Shot in Southern Russia
OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns attack on journalist in Russia, calls for speedy and effective investigation.

26 December 2017

Russian Journalists Deported from Ukraine
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

18 December 2017

Uzbek Journalist on Interpol List Detained
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

18 December 2017

Government Plan to Strongly Reduce Funding for Public Service Broadcasting
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

18 December 2017

Polish Journalist Receives Death Threats After Public Polish TV Classifies Her Remarks As “Harmful to Poland”
Reply from the Government of Poland

18 December 2017

Azerbaijani Director of Internet Television Re-arrested
OSCE media freedom representative calls on Azerbaijan authorities to end restrictive measures detrimental to journalists’ freedom and safety

14 December 2017

Poland: TVN24 Channel Fined on Incitement Charges
Poland broadcasting regulator’s fine against private broadcaster TVN SA is unjustified and disproportionate, says OSCE media freedom representative.

14 December 2017

Journalists Targeted by Protesters in northern Cyprus
Response from the Cypriot authorities

29 November 2017

The Guardia Civil Raids Several Catalan Newsrooms
Reply from the Spanish authorities

27 November 2017

Croatian Journalist Maja Sever Received Death Threat Via Facebook over Her Report on Nigerian Refugees
Response from the Croatian authorities

20 November 2017

Russia: Proposals to Extend 'Foreign Agents' Law to Media Outlets
Registration of media as "foreign agents" not acceptable says OSCE media freedom representative

20 November 2017

Russia: Proposals to Extend 'Foreign Agents' Law to Media Outlets
Reacting to the new law, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights stated that 'these new restrictions on media freedom are highly regrettable'.

17 November 2017

Malta Economy Minister Issues four Libel Suits and Warrants Against Blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia
Response from the Maltese authorities

14 November 2017

Armenian TV Station Editor Assaulted While Reporting on Road Building Project
Reply from the Armenian authorities

13 November 2017

Draft Law Threatens Independence of AGERPRES News Agency
Response from the Romanian authorities

2 November 2017

Two Spanish Journalists Deported from Ukraine
Official reply from the Ukrainian authorities

31 October 2017

Physical Attack Against Journalist Drago Miljuš
Response from the Croatian authorities

24 October 2017

Ekho Moskvy Journalist Stabbed, Hospitalised in Moscow
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media condemns attack on Ekho Moskvy journalist.

23 October 2017

Ekho Moskvy Journalist Stabbed, Hospitalised in Moscow
CoE Secretary General appalled by violent attack against Russian journalist calls for the attack to be thoroughly and quickly investigated.

19 October 2017

Injunction Prohibiting Media from Reporting on the Financial Dealings of Iceland Prime Minister Bjarni Benediktsson
OSCE media freedom representative concerned about ban on reporting about Icelandic bank

19 October 2017

Judicial Harassment Against Opposition Journalists in Turkey
On 10 October 2017, the Commissioner for human rights intervened before the European Court of Human Rights in cases concerning the detention of journalists and freedom of expression in Turkey

19 October 2017

"Die Welt" Correspondent in Turkey Deniz Yücel Detained
On 10 October 2017, the Commissioner for human rights intervened before the European Court of Human Rights in cases concerning the detention of journalists and freedom of expression in Turkey

19 October 2017

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
On 10 October 2017, the Commissioner for human rights intervened before the European Court of Human Rights in cases concerning the detention of journalists and freedom of expression in Turkey

19 October 2017

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV
On 10 October 2017, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights intervened before the European Court of Human Rights in cases concerning the detention of journalists and freedom of expression in Turkey

19 October 2017

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey
On 10 October 2017, the Commissioner for human rights intervened before the European Court of Human Rights in cases concerning the detention of journalists and freedom of expression in Turkey

18 October 2017

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
APCE president strongly condemns the murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana

17 October 2017

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
OSCE media freedom representative outraged by killing of prominent journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta, urges thorough investigation'

17 October 2017

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
CoE Secretary General appalled by the brutal death of Maltese journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia, in a car bombing, calls for a thorough investigation to find those responsible for her death.

17 October 2017

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
Reply of the Maltese authorities

17 October 2017

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb
Shocked by the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, the Commissioner for Human Rights calls on authorities to thoroughly investigate the case.

12 October 2017

License for UK Community Radio Station Revoked
Response from the United Kingdom Government

11 October 2017

Far-right Militants Threatened Novosti Newspaper During Protest
Response from the Croatian authorities

5 October 2017

Turkish-Swedish Journalist Detained at Airport Following Request by Turkey
Reply from the Spanish authorities

5 October 2017

Germany: Draft Bill on Social Networks Raises Serious Free Expression Concerns
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media warns Germany social networks law could have disproportionate effect.

3 October 2017

Vesti’s Media Office in Kyiv Raided by National Police and Military Prosecutors
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

1 October 2017

Six Journalists Detained Without Explanation
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

1 October 2017

News Portals Shutdown by the State Regulator
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

26 September 2017

Ukraine Blocks Russian Social Networks and Expands Economic Sanctions Against Russian Companies
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

26 September 2017

Germany: Draft Bill on Social Networks Raises Serious Free Expression Concerns
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

26 September 2017

Opposition and Independent News Websites Blocked
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

26 September 2017

Video Hosting Site DailyMotion Permanently Blocked in Russia
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

26 September 2017

Azadliq Newspaper Stops Publishing in Azerbaijan After Arrest of Financial Director
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

26 September 2017

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media welcomes the release of Kadri Gürsel and calls for release of imprisoned Cumhuriyet journalists in Turkey.

26 September 2017

A Court Orders the Blocking and Closure of Information Websites and Users’ Profiles on Twitter
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

26 September 2017

Publication Ban Imposed on News Related to a Money Laundering Investigation in Italy Involving Erdoğan's Son
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

26 September 2017

New Anti-terrorism Law Allows Blocking of Online Media
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

26 September 2017

Crimea’s Prosecution Opens Criminal Probe against Journalist Mykola Semena
General Rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on Media Freedom and the Safety of Journalists calls for the conviction of Crimean journalist Mykola Semena to be annulled

26 September 2017

Two Turkish Journalists, Cevheri Güven and Murat Çapan, Charged with "Inciting Armed Rebellion"
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

26 September 2017

A Reference Information Website Arbitrarily Blocked in Russia
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

26 September 2017

Administrative Blocking of Websites "Inciting Terrorism"
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

26 September 2017

Turkey Blocks Kurdish News Websites
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights recalls that any restrictions on access to Internet content should be based on a clear and predictable framework affording guarantee of judicial oversight to prevent possible abuses.

22 September 2017

Crimea’s Prosecution Opens Criminal Probe against Journalist Mykola Semena
OSCE Media Freedom Representative takes note of release of Ukrainian journalist Mykola Semena from house arrest, but condemns his conviction.

21 September 2017

Political Appointments to Head Spanish and Catalan Public TV Channels
Reply from the Spanish authorities

20 September 2017

Government Plan to Strongly Reduce Funding for Public Service Broadcasting
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights details the prerequisites for well-funded and strong public service media.

13 September 2017

Journalist Vladimir Otasevic Faced Insults and Death Threats
OSCE media freedom representative calls on authorities in Montenegro to swiftly investigate death threats against journalist.

13 September 2017

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan
PACE monitors react to release of Mehman Aliyev in Azerbaijan.

12 September 2017

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
OSCE Media Freedom Representative renews calls on Turkey to urgently release jailed journalists.

11 September 2017

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan
Volodymyr Ariev, PACE General Rapporteur on Media Freedom and the Safety of Journalists, welcomes the release of the Director of Turan agency Mehman Aliyev.

11 September 2017

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media welcomes release of Azerbaijani journalist Mehman Aliyev, calls for all charges to be dropped.

11 September 2017

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan
Statement by the Spokesperson of the Secretary General on the release of Mehman Aliyev

11 September 2017

Israeli-Russian Blogger Aleksandr Lapshin to Be Tried in Azerbaijan
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media welcomes the pardon and release of Aleksandr Lapshin.

6 September 2017

Journalists Stripped of Press Accreditation and Victims of Police Violence During the G20 in Hamburg
Response by the German Federal Government

31 August 2017

Estonian Authorities Turn Down Three Requests for Accreditation from Rossiya Segodnya to Cover EU meeting
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media urges Estonia to reconsider denied accreditation to three Russian journalists for EU meeting.

31 August 2017

Estonian Authorities Turn Down Three Requests for Accreditation from Rossiya Segodnya to Cover EU meeting
Reply from the Estonian authorities

31 August 2017

Russian Journalists Deported from Ukraine
OSCE media freedom representative calls on Ukraine to respect the work of foreign journalists

31 August 2017

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan
CoE Commissioner for Human Rights dismayed at last blow to media freedom in Azerbaijan: Turan news agency Director Mehman Aliyev detained and announced suspension of agency operations.

31 August 2017

Two Reporters Injured During Storming of Parliament
Reply from the Ministry of Interior of “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”

31 August 2017

Journalists from Macedonian A1 TV Attacked While Covering Demonstration
Reply from the Ministry of Interior of “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”

31 August 2017

Three Journalists from Kosovo Arrested in Skopje
Reply from the Ministry of Interior of “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”

31 August 2017

Five Journalists Beaten by Police in Skopje During Protests
Reply from the Ministry of Interior of “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”

31 August 2017

28 Media Workers Detained and Fined for Illegal Border Crossing
Reply from the Ministry of Interior of “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”

31 August 2017

Macedonian Journalist Faces Death Threat
Reply from the Ministry of Interior of “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”

31 August 2017

Macedonian Journalist Sashe Ivanovski Physically Assaulted by Deputy Prime Minister
Reply from the Ministry of Interior of “The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”

29 August 2017

Germany: Draft Bill on Social Networks Raises Serious Free Expression Concerns
Reply by the German authorities

28 August 2017

Bulgarian Financial Supervision Commission Tries to Silence Newspapers Working on Banking Disclosures
Reply from the Government of Bulgaria

25 August 2017

Journalist Kim Wall Killed on a Civilian Submarine
Killing of Swedish journalist Kim Wall points at threats faced by journalists, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media says.

25 August 2017

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan
PACE co-rapporteur on Azerbaijan (Sub-Committee on Conflicts between Council of Europe Member States) calls for the immediate release of Mehman Aliyev.

25 August 2017

Criminal Case Opened against Turan Independent News Agency in Azerbaijan
CoE Secretary General calls on the authorities in Azerbaijan to respect the spirit of the country’s cooperation with the Council of Europe and to fully abide by its commitments under the European Convention on Human Rights in order to avoid yet another case of unjust deprivation of liberty which has no place in a democratic society.

16 August 2017

Ukrainian Journalist Stanyslav Aseev Missing in Donbass
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

11 August 2017

Ukraine Bans 38 European Journalists and Bloggers over “National Interest, Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity"
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

8 August 2017

Novaya Gazeta Correspondent to be Deported
Commissioner for Human Rights calls "on the Russian authorities to release Mr Nurmatov from the temporary detention facility and to ensure that he is provided with all the necessary procedural safeguards in the context of the administrative proceedings in question".

8 August 2017

Novaya Gazeta Correspondent to be Deported
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media closely following appeal against deportation of journalist Ali Feruz with hope for a positive outcome.

7 August 2017

French Journalist Detained at Iraq Border, Arrested on Terror Charges
OSCE Media Freedom Representative addressed the Turkish authorities demanding immediate release of French journalist Loup Bureau and to drop charges.

3 August 2017

Polish Defence Minister Seeks Criminal Charges against Journalist for 'Coercion', 'Insult' over Exposé of Associates' Contacts
Response of the Polish Government

3 August 2017

Polish Defence Minister Seeks Criminal Charges against Journalist for 'Coercion', 'Insult' over Exposé of Associates' Contacts
OSCE media freedom representative concerned about complaint filed against journalist by Poland’s Defence Ministry

3 August 2017

France Legalises Mass Surveillance of its Citizens
The European Court of Human Rights decided to communicate to the French Government several applications lodged by journalists and lawyers which concern the French Intelligence Act of 24 July 2015. On 27 April and 4 July 2017, the Court put questions to the parties under Articles 8 (right to respect for private life and correspondence), 10 (freedom of expression) and 13 (right to an effective remedy) of the Convention.

31 July 2017

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
Cumhuriyet trial interim court decision shows urgency to drop charges and release all imprisoned Turkish journalists, says OSCE Media Freedom Representative.

28 July 2017

Ukrainian Journalist Stanyslav Aseev Missing in Donbass
OSCE Media Freedom Representative calls for immediate release of detained Donetsk journalist Stanislav Aseev.

25 July 2017

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
OSCE media freedom representative calls on Turkey to release imprisoned journalists

25 July 2017

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül
OSCE media freedom representative calls on Turkey to release imprisoned journalists

21 July 2017

Failure to Punish the Perpetrators of Attack on Journalists in Berdyansk
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

20 July 2017

Journalist Pavel Sheremet Killed in Car Explosion
OSCE media freedom representative urges authorities in Ukraine and other OSCE participating States to end impunity for murders of journalists.

17 July 2017

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan
The European Court of Human Rights began its consideration of Afgan Mukhtarli abduction case. On 8 June 2017, the Court sent a request for information to the Azerbaijani government.

17 July 2017

Ukraine Blocks Russian Social Networks and Expands Economic Sanctions Against Russian Companies
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

13 July 2017

Ongoing Impunity in the Case of Killed Journalists Andrea Rocchelli, Andrei Mironov and Wounded Photographer William Roguelon
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

5 July 2017

Russian Journalist Ashot Dzhazoyan Banned from Entering Ukraine for Three Years
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

27 June 2017

Italian Journalist Risks Being Jailed for Thirty Months for Libel
Reply from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

27 June 2017

Pressure by a Political Party to Replace a Member of the Public Broadcaster's Supervisory Board
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

20 June 2017

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan
Volodymyr Ariev, PACE General Rapporteur on Media Freedom and the Safety of Journalists, calls for release of Afqan Mukhtarli

16 June 2017

Threat of Closure of the Public Broadcast Media Service
CoE Commissioner for Human Rights says that greater efforts are needed to enhance social cohesion and media freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

12 June 2017

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
On 8 June 2017, the European Court of Human Rights communicated to the Turkish Government the case of Sabuncu and Others v. Turkey. The applicants, ten journalists from the daily newspaper Cumhuriyet placed in police custody and subsequently in pre-trial detention on suspicion of having committed offences on behalf of terrorist organisations and disseminating propaganda for them, complained about their pre-trial detention and its duration, and also submit that there has been a breach of their freedom of expression. They further allege that their detention is a sanction against them for criticising the government and amounts to politically-motivated judicial harassment. They rely in particular on Article 5 § 1, 3 and 4 (right to liberty and security / right to speedy review of the lawfulness of detention), Article 10 (freedom of expression) and Article 18 (limitation on use of restrictions on rights).

6 June 2017

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan
Boriss Cilevics and Kerstin Lundgren, co-rapporteurs of the PACE, urge Georgian authorities to fully investigate abduction of Afqan Mukhtarli

2 June 2017

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan
Commissioner for Human Rights "appalled by what happened to Afgan Mukhtarli, an Azerbaijani journalist and activist, who has reportedly been abducted in Georgia and forcibly taken to Azerbaijan, where he is now facing prosecution for illegal crossing of the border and smuggling".

29 May 2017

Armenian Journalist Attacked While Covering Parliamentary Elections
Reply from the Armenian authorities (Police and the Special Investigative Service of the Republic of Armenia)

12 May 2017

Attack on Office of Kathimerini in Thessaloniki
Response from the Greek authorities

12 May 2017

Pressure by Prime Minister on Public Broadcaster over Coverage
Response from the Slovak authorities

10 May 2017

Greek Journalist Arrested on Libel Charges
Response from the Greek authorities

9 May 2017

An Albanian Journalist Received Death Threats
Response of the Albanian authorities

2 May 2017

Draft Law Threatens Independence of AGERPRES News Agency
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights details the prerequisites for well-funded and strong public service media.

2 May 2017

Threat of Closure of the Public Broadcast Media Service
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights details the prerequisites for well-funded and strong public service media.

2 May 2017

Pressure by Prime Minister on Public Broadcaster over Coverage
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights details the prerequisites for well-funded and strong public service media.

2 May 2017

Romania to Eliminate Public Broadcast Fee
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights details the prerequisites for well-funded and strong public service media.

2 May 2017

Polish Law on Public Service Broadcasting Removes Guarantees of Independence
The CoE Commissioner for Human Rights details the prerequisites for well-funded and strong public service media.

18 April 2017

Threat of Closure of the Public Broadcast Media Service
OSCE Freedom of the Media Representative says that shutdown of public broadcaster in Bosnia and Herzegovina is neither a solution nor an option

7 April 2017

Two Journalists Harassed by Far-Right Wing Protesters
Reply from the Greek authorities (Ministry of Justice)

20 March 2017

Pressure by a Political Party to Replace a Member of the Public Broadcaster's Supervisory Board
Independence of the Supervisory Board of the public broadcaster is of crucial importance for the reform of public broadcasting

15 March 2017

Polish Law on Public Service Broadcasting Removes Guarantees of Independence
Reply from the Government of Poland

14 March 2017

Albanian Journalist Elvi Fundo Attacked in Tirana
Response of the Albanian authorities

14 March 2017

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey
Opinion of the Venice Commission on the Measures provided in the recent Emergency Decree Laws with respect to Freedom of the Media

10 March 2017

Albanian Journalist Elvi Fundo Attacked in Tirana
OSCE media freedom representative condemns beating of journalist in Albania, urges quick investigation

7 March 2017

Mehman Huseynov Sentenced to Two Years on Defamation Charges
OSCE Freedom of Media Representative and Human Rights chief call for release of blogger and human rights activist in Azerbaijan

6 March 2017

Georgian TV Channel Rustavi 2 Faces Crippling Court Measures in Civil Case
On 3 March 2017, the European Court of Human Rights suspended, under Rule 39 (interim measures), Georgia's Supreme Court’s decision to transfer ownership of Rustavi 2 TV.

3 March 2017

Mehman Huseynov Sentenced to Two Years on Defamation Charges
CoE Commissioner for Human Rights calls the two-year sentence against Mehman Huseynov in defamation case "appalling".

3 March 2017

Georgian TV Channel Rustavi 2 Faces Crippling Court Measures in Civil Case
OSCE Media Freedom Representative calls the Surpeme Court 's decision a "disappointing move and huge blow to media pluralism in Georgia".

2 March 2017

"Die Welt" Correspondent in Turkey Deniz Yücel Detained
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media calls on Turkey to decriminalize journalistic work following arrest of Die Welt journalist

28 February 2017

New Albanian Anti-Corruption Law Threatens Media Freedom
Reply from the Government of Albania

22 February 2017

Crimea’s Prosecution Opens Criminal Probe against Journalist Mykola Semena
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

17 February 2017

The National Radio and TV Council of Ukraine Bans Broadcast of Russian TV Channel Dozhd
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

17 February 2017

Journalists Beaten by Security Guards and Local Police in Kharkiv
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

17 February 2017

Ukrainian Local Newspaper Raided, Office Sealed by the Representatives of the Local Authorities in Kivertsy
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

17 February 2017

Personal Details of Thousands of Journalists Posted on Ukrainian Website over Accreditation with Rebels
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

16 February 2017

Malta Economy Minister Issues four Libel Suits and Warrants Against Blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia
Reply from the Government of Malta

16 February 2017

Malta Economy Minister Issues four Libel Suits and Warrants Against Blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia
OSCE Representative for Media Freedom urges authorities in Malta to protect independent journalists and free expression

16 February 2017

Continuing Impunity in the Killing of the Ukrainian Investigative Journalist Georgiy Gongadze
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

16 February 2017

Harassment of Journalists Natalya Kokorina and Anna Andrievska in Crimea, Ukraine by Russian Officials
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

16 February 2017

Pro-Russia Journalist, Oles Buzyna, Gunned Down in Kyiv, Ukraine
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

15 February 2017

Turkish Emergency Decree Shuts Down 9 Media Outlets
Human Rights Commissioner : Urgent measures are needed to restore freedom of expression in Turkey

15 February 2017

Pro-Kurdish Media Outlets Shut Down by Decree-Law
Human Rights Commissioner : Urgent measures are needed to restore freedom of expression in Turkey

15 February 2017

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
Human Rights Commissioner : Urgent measures are needed to restore freedom of expression in Turkey

15 February 2017

At least Twenty TV and Radio Channels Removed from Türksat, the National Satellite Operator
Human Rights Commissioner : Urgent measures are needed to restore freedom of expression in Turkey

15 February 2017

Turkey: Two Journalists Detained under State of Emergency Provisions
Human Rights Commissioner : Urgent measures are needed to restore freedom of expression in Turkey

15 February 2017

Police Raided Azadiya Welat Newspaper, at least 23 Staff Members Detained
Human Rights Commissioner : Urgent measures are needed to restore freedom of expression in Turkey

15 February 2017

Özgür Gündem Daily Shut Down and Journalists’ Homes Raided in Turkey
Human Rights Commissioner : Urgent measures are needed to restore freedom of expression in Turkey

15 February 2017

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey
Human Rights Commissioner : Urgent measures are needed to restore freedom of expression in Turkey

15 February 2017

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation
Human Rights Commissioner : Urgent measures are needed to restore freedom of expression in Turkey

15 February 2017

Forced Closure of Crimean Tatar-Language Media Outlets
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

15 February 2017

Journalist Viacheslav Veremii Killed in Kyiv
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

15 February 2017

Senior Journalist Oleksandr Kuchynsk Killed in Donetsk, Ukraine
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

14 February 2017

Arson Attack on Ukrainian Broadcaster Inter TV
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

14 February 2017

Journalist Pavel Sheremet Killed in Car Explosion
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

14 February 2017

Ukrainian Journalist Maria Varfolomeyeva Held for over a Year in Eastern Ukraine
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

14 February 2017

Ukrainian journalist Ruslan Kotsaba Held for Nearly a Year over Allegations of ‘Treason and Obstructing the Military’
Reply from the Government of Ukraine

6 February 2017

Front National Refuses to Grant Accreditations to Mediapart and Quotidien on the Occasion of the Party’s "Presidential Congress”
OSCE Freedom of Media Representative calls the violent expulsion of journalist from public event unacceptable

19 January 2017

Masterminds Still not Condemned, Ten Years After the Assassination of Journalist Hrant Dink
Ten years on, OSCE media freedom representative calls the authorities of Turkey to increase their efforts to ensure that justice is served in the case of journalist Hrant Dink

13 January 2017

The National Radio and TV Council of Ukraine Bans Broadcast of Russian TV Channel Dozhd
OSCE Freedom of the Media Reprensentative describes decision of NacRada to stop broadcasting of DozhdTV as very demaging for media pluralism in Ukraine.

13 January 2017

Poland - Journalists' Access to Parliament Restricted
Reply from the Government of Poland

11 January 2017

Mehman Huseynov Sentenced to Two Years on Defamation Charges
CoE Human Rights Commissioner expresses his worries at reported ill-treatment, arrest, fine of blogger Mehman Huseynov.

9 January 2017

Russian Editor Threatened by Government Official in Instagram Post
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern that an Instagram post published by the Speaker of the Chechen Parliament intimidated Gregory Shvedov.

9 January 2017

Russian Editor Threatened by Government Official in Instagram Post
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media calling 'unacceptable and dangerous' the behaviour by the Chechen Parliament Speaker Daudov calling for violence against the Caucasian Knot editor-in-chief Grigoriy Shvedov.

9 January 2017

Freelance Journalist and Fixer Jovo Martinovic Tried for “Being a Member of a Criminal Organization”
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media welcomes release of Montenegrin journalist and calls for conclusion of his case

20 December 2016

Spanish Journalist based in the Netherlands Victim of Online Death Threats
Reply from the Netherlands provided by the Ministry of Security and Justice

15 December 2016

Romania to Eliminate Public Broadcast Fee
Statement by the participants at the ‘Public Service Media and Democracy’ Conference organized by the Council of Europe, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Czech Television and the European Broadcasting Union (10th-11th November 2016, Prague)

9 December 2016

Cyprus: Police Reporter's Car Set on Fire
OSCE representative condemns setting reporter’s car on fire in Cyprus

9 December 2016

Slovakia’s Prime Minister Uses Offensive Language towards Journalists at a Press Conference
Reply from the government of the Slovak Republic

9 December 2016

Russian Journalist Expelled from Latvia
Reply from the government of Latvia

9 December 2016

Armenian Journalists Injured in Police Violence against Media Journalists covering Street Demonstrations
Reply from the Armenian authorities

7 December 2016

Freelance Journalist and Fixer Jovo Martinovic Tried for “Being a Member of a Criminal Organization”
Reply from Montenegro provided by the Ministry of Justice

6 December 2016

Judge Attempts to Censor "Footballleaks" Inquiry
OSCE Representative for Freedom of the Media says in a statement: "Court ruling in Spain ordering El Mundo newspaper not to publish story is a threat to investigative journalism"

2 December 2016

Car of Croatian Journalists' Association President Appears to Have Been Deliberately Sabotaged
Reply from the Republic of Croatia

21 November 2016

Serbian Journalist Stevan Dojčinović Target of a Smear Campaign
Reply from the Republic of Serbia provided by the Ministry of the Interior

21 November 2016

Investigative Journalists Receive Several Death Threats, Broadcaster Claims
Reply from the Republic of Serbia provided by the Ministry of Interior

18 November 2016

UK Draft Bill on Surveillance Threatens Protection of Journalists' Sources
OSCE Representative warns of negative consequences for investigative journalism when Investigative Powers Bill becomes law in the United Kingdom

15 November 2016

Continuing Impunity in the Killing of the Ukrainian Investigative Journalist Georgiy Gongadze
Murder of Gongadze must be fully investigated, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media says, calls on authorities in Ukraine to end climate of impunity.

31 October 2016

Pro-Kurdish Media Outlets Shut Down by Decree-Law
Statement from Secretary General Jagland expressing his concern about state of emergency measures and freedom of expression in Turkey

31 October 2016

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges
Statement from Secretary General Jagland expressing his concern about state of emergency measures and freedom of expression in Turkey

26 October 2016

Russian Journalist Expelled from Latvia
OSCE Representative concerned about Latvian authorities’ decision to deport Russian journalist

26 October 2016

Largest Opposition Daily Suspended in Hungary
Secretary General Jagland discussed with Hungarian Justice Minister, László Trócsányi, the importance of media plurality in particular following the recent closure of the Nepszabadsag newspaper.

7 October 2016

Masterminds still not Brought to Justice, Ten Years after the Murder of Novaya Gazeta Journalist Anna Politkovskaya
Impunity for crimes committed against journalists in Russia must end, OSCE Representative says on tenth anniversary of Anna Politkovskaya’s death

22 September 2016

Sport Journalist Kyriakos Thomaidis Faces Arrest after Police Raid on Skai TV's Building
Reply from the Greek authorities

16 September 2016

Swiss Intelligence Act Threatens Secrecy of Journalistic Sources
Reply by the Swiss authorities

7 September 2016

Arson Attack on Ukrainian Broadcaster Inter TV
OSCE Media Freedom Representative: Disagreement with editorial line cannot result in violence against media; safety of journalists in Ukraine must be ensured, says OSCE Representative

7 September 2016

Arson Attack on Ukrainian Broadcaster Inter TV
CoE Spokesperson: Ukraine - we underline the obligation to ensure media freedom

7 September 2016

Arson Attack on Ukrainian Broadcaster Inter TV
CoE Spokesperson: We call on the Ukrainian authorities to investigate the attacks on Inter TV and its employees

17 August 2016

Journalist Lukasz Masiak Beaten to Death
Updated information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland

10 August 2016

New Proposed Law Set to Increase the Power to Surveil Foreign Journalists
Reply by the German authorities

5 August 2016

Journalist Pavel Sheremet Killed in Car Explosion
Statement by Marina Kaljurand, Chair of the Committee of Ministers and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Estonia

5 August 2016

New Anti-terrorism Law Allows Blocking of Online Media
Reply from the Government of Poland

5 August 2016

Threats to the Independence of the Romanian Public Broadcaster (TVR)
Reply by the Government of Romania

27 July 2016

French Journalist at the Origin of LuxLeaks Revelations Charged in Luxembourg
Reply from the Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

21 July 2016

Journalist Pavel Sheremet Killed in Car Explosion
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe strongly condemns the appalling murder of journalist Pavlo Sheremet and calls on the Ukrainian authorities and law-enforcement agencies to quickly and effectively investigate this crime.

21 July 2016

Journalist Pavel Sheremet Killed in Car Explosion
OSCE Representative condemns murder of journalist Pavel Sheremet in Ukraine

21 July 2016

Journalist Mustafa Cambaz Killed in Failed Coup Attempt
OSCE Representative "deeply saddened to learn about Cambaz’ death" calls "the authorities to do their utmost to ensure journalists’ safety and free flow of information during times of crisis".

20 July 2016

News Portals Shutdown by the State Regulator
Regretting “ that journalists were once more victims of violence, at the hands of coup plotters, as well as of citizens resisting them, and that access to several news media on the internet were blocked once more”, the Commissioner for Human Rights said that he “will be closely monitoring the situation in the coming days”.

20 July 2016

Journalist Mustafa Cambaz Killed in Failed Coup Attempt
Regretting “ that journalists were once more victims of violence, at the hands of coup plotters, as well as of citizens resisting them, and that access to several news media on the internet were blocked once more”, the Commissioner for Human Rights said that he “will be closely monitoring the situation in the coming days”.

13 July 2016

Journalist Sergei Ilchenko Jailed on Extremism Charges in Moldova’s Transdniester Region
Reply from the authorities of the Republic of Moldova

12 July 2016

New Proposed Law Set to Increase the Power to Surveil Foreign Journalists
Surveillance amendments in new law in Germany pose a threat to media freedom, OSCE Representative says. She asks Bundestag to reconsider bill.

29 June 2016

Former Prime Minister Publicly Insults Two Journalists
Reply from the Republic of Slovenia

28 June 2016

Polish Journalists Targeted in Police Wiretapping, Audit Reveals
Reply from the Polish Government

21 June 2016

Draft Bill to Tighten Criminal Penalties for Defamation
Reply from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

21 June 2016

Italian Journalist Lirio Abbate Faces Hate Speech in Courtroom
Reply from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

21 June 2016

Headquarters of TV station Piazza Pulita Raided by Police
Reply from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

21 June 2016

Draft Italian Law Imposes Sanctions on Journalists who Published Wiretapping Materials
Reply from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

21 June 2016

Italian Journalists and Media Staff Face Death Threats Following Mafia Boss’ Funeral
Reply from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

20 June 2016

Radio Journalist and Presenter Found Dead in Home
OSCE Representative welcomes arrests following murder of journalist in Serbia, praises police swift action.

20 June 2016

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation
OSCE Representative appalled by imprisonment of two journalists and a human rights activist in Turkey, urges their release

20 June 2016

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation
CoE Commissioner for Human Rights appalled by detention of human rights defenders in Turkey will take this up with the authorities.

17 June 2016

Radio Journalist and Presenter Found Dead in Home
OSCE media freedom representative condemns murder of journalist in Serbia, calls on authorities for swift and thorough investigation.

15 June 2016

Law on News Aggregators Undermines Media Freedom Online
Law regulating news aggregators in Russia might negatively affect freedom of information on Internet, OSCE Representative says

15 June 2016

Journalists Victims of Police Violence During Demonstrations
Recent police violence against journalists during demonstrations in France disturbing, says OSCE Representative

15 June 2016

Polish Law on Public Service Broadcasting Removes Guarantees of Independence
The Secretary General welcomes the constructive dialogue with the Polish authorities on the public media legislation.

15 June 2016

Polish Law on Public Service Broadcasting Removes Guarantees of Independence
Addressing the reform of public service media which is currently underway, the Commissioner urged the Polish authorities to introduce safeguards to guarantee the independence of public service media from political influence.

10 June 2016

Poland Legalises Mass Surveillance of its Citizens
Surveillance powers too broad in Poland, according to Council of Europe’s Venice Commission

9 June 2016

'Golden Dawn' Members Violently Attacked Petros Anastassiades
Reply from the Greek authorities

9 June 2016

Police Denies TV Crew Access to Refugee Camp
Reply from the Greek authorities

7 June 2016

Polish Law on Public Service Broadcasting Removes Guarantees of Independence
Expert dialogue between the Polish Government and the Council of Europe : conclusions published

27 May 2016

Draft Bill to Tighten Criminal Penalties for Defamation
Defamation penalty in Italy needs to be considered for its effect on free expression, OSCE media representative says

26 May 2016

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan
Statement of the OSCE Representative for Media Freedom

25 May 2016

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan
Statement of the CoE Commissioner for Human Rights

18 May 2016

Sports Journalist Assaulted by President of Football Club
OSCE media freedom representative condemns attack on journalist in Albania, urges swift and thorough investigation

18 May 2016

Sports Journalist Assaulted by President of Football Club
Reply from the Government of Albania

17 May 2016

UK Draft Bill on Surveillance Threatens Protection of Journalists' Sources
Commissioner publishes Memorandum on surveillance in the UK

13 May 2016

Personal Details of Thousands of Journalists Posted on Ukrainian Website over Accreditation with Rebels
The Secretary General writes to the President of Ukraine.

13 May 2016

Attacks on the Independence of Croatian Public Broadcaster and Broadcast Regulator
The Secretary General writes to the Prime Minister of Croatia

13 May 2016

Attacks on the Independence of Croatian Public Broadcaster and Broadcast Regulator
Following his visit to Croatia, the Commissioner for human rights urges the Croatian authorities to ensure that pluralism of the public media service and the independence of the broadcast regulator are preserved and protected.

13 May 2016

Threats to the Independence of the Romanian Public Broadcaster (TVR)
The Secretary General writes to the Prime Minister of Romania.

13 May 2016

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül
The Council of Europe Secretary General refers to the case of Can Dündar and Erdem Gül in his address to the Committee of Ministers on 11 May 2016.

13 May 2016

Brutal Physical Attack on Freelancer Željko Peratović
Following his visit to Croatia, the Commissioner for human rights expresses his concern about the inadequate response by the authorities to the reported cases of physical attacks, death threats and intimidation against journalists.

12 May 2016

Personal Details of Thousands of Journalists Posted on Ukrainian Website over Accreditation with Rebels
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media expresses concern about journalists’ safety in Ukraine

12 May 2016

Murder of Azerbaijani Journalist Rasim Aliyev
OSCE Representative welcomes convictions for murder of journalist in Azerbaijan

11 May 2016

Chief Editor Anne Brumagne Dismissed for Criticizing a Restructuring Plan that Puts Business above Journalism
Response from the Flemish Community

2 May 2016

Two-year Prison Sentences for Cumhuriyet Journalists Ceyda Karan and Hikmet Çetinkaya
OSCE Representative condemns prison sentences against Cumhuriyet journalists in Turkey, urges to ensure their safety

2 May 2016

Greek Journalist Brutally Attacked during Public Rally
Reply from the Greek authorities

2 May 2016

Journalists Detained and Barred from Entering Idomeni to Report on Treatment of Refugees
Reply from the Greek authorities

2 May 2016

Police Assault Against a Photographer in Greece
Reply from the Greek authorities

29 April 2016

Journalists Working for RTL Info and France 3 Attacked in Molenbeek
Reply from the Government of Belgium

29 April 2016

Palestinian Journalist Salama Attaallah Assaulted While Covering Muslim Fair in Brussels
Reply from the Government of Belgium

29 April 2016

Journalists Arrested and Forced to Delete Material During Anti-TTIP Event
Reply from the Government of Belgium

29 April 2016

Chief Editor Anne Brumagne Dismissed for Criticizing a Restructuring Plan that Puts Business above Journalism
Reply from the Government of Belgium

18 April 2016

Attacks on the Independence of Croatian Public Broadcaster and Broadcast Regulator
Reply from the Government of Croatia

4 April 2016

Several Vehicles Belonging to POP TV Vandalised in Ljubljana
Reply from the Government of Slovenia

18 March 2016

Journalists Levan Sutidze, Irakli Kiknavelidze and Nino Macharashvili Attacked in Tbilisi
Reply from the Government of Georgia

17 March 2016

Cumhuriyet Journalist Canan Coşkun Faces 23 Years in Prison for Alleged Insult
The Venice Commission recommends that Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (Degrading Turkish Nation, State of Turkish Republic, the Organs and Institutions of the State) be redrafted and further amended with the aim of making all the notions used in it clear and specific. Application of this provision should also be limited to statements inciting to violence and hatred.

17 March 2016

Turkish Cartoonists Bahadır Baruter and Özer Aydoğan Found Guilty of Insulting President Erdoğan
The Venice Commission suggests that Article 299 of the Turkish Penal Code (insulting the President of Republic) be repealed to avoid further violations of the freedom of expression.

15 March 2016

TV Journalist Eni Shehu Attacked by the Director of the National Theatre
Response of the Albanian authorities

15 March 2016

Newspaper Editor Prosecuted for Insulting the President over Reports about a Judicial Corruption Probe
The Venice Commission suggests that Article 299 of the Turkish Penal Code (insulting the President of Republic) be repealed to avoid further violations of the freedom of expression.

10 March 2016

Attacks on the Independence of Croatian Public Broadcaster and Broadcast Regulator
Independence of public broadcaster and broadcast regulator must be respected, says OSCE Representative.

10 March 2016

Journalists and Human Rights Activists Attacked in Ingushetia
Coe Human Rights Commissioner Muižnieks says that Russia must shed full light on attacks against journalists and human rights defenders in Ingushetia.

10 March 2016

Journalists and Human Rights Activists Attacked in Ingushetia
OSCE Representative condemns attack on journalists in Russian Federation, calls for swift investigation.

10 March 2016

Journalists and Human Rights Activists Attacked in Ingushetia
CoE Secretary General declares that violence against journalists is unacceptable and welcomes Russia's announcement of an investigation into Ingushetia attack.

10 March 2016

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül
The Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe expresses its serious concern at recent developments in Turkey with respect to restrictions on media freedom and access to pluralistic information, challenges to the decisions of the Constitutional Court.

9 March 2016

Zaman Media Group Seized by Authorities
PACE Monitoring Committee expresses serious concern at recent developments in Turkey with respect to restrictions on media freedom and access to pluralistic information.

5 March 2016

Zaman Media Group Seized by Authorities
CoE Secretary General considers that the court decision to appoint trustees to Zaman group is yet another worrying development with regard to media freedom in Turkey.

5 March 2016

Zaman Media Group Seized by Authorities
PACE President expresses concern about the Istanbul Court's decision undermining media freedom

4 March 2016

Zaman Media Group Seized by Authorities
CoE Human Rights Commissioner Muižnieks deplores new case of judicial harassment against media in Turkey.

4 March 2016

Zaman Media Group Seized by Authorities
OSCE Representative on Media Freedom calls on Turkey to refrain from acts of intimidation against media, following appointment of trustees to run Zaman newspaper.

4 March 2016

Gojko Raičević Regularly Targeted by Authorities in Montenegro
Reply from the Ministry of Interior of Montenegro

3 March 2016

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül
Secretary General welcomes the release of Can Dündar and Erdem Gül in his address to the Committee of Ministers

26 February 2016

Poland Legalises Mass Surveillance of its Citizens
Reply from the Polish Government

26 February 2016

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül
Secretary General Jagland welcomes the release of Can Dündar and Erdem Gül.

25 February 2016

Belgian Journalist Assaulted Live on Air at the Cologne Carnival
Reply from the German authorities

16 February 2016

Poland Legalises Mass Surveillance of its Citizens
Coe Commissioner for Human Rights is concerned that the provisions of the new surveillance legislation are expanding the powers of police and special services without establishing the corresponding safeguards for the protection of the right to privacy, journalistic sources and information covered by professional secrecy.

16 February 2016

Polish Law on Public Service Broadcasting Removes Guarantees of Independence
Upon return of his visit to Poland, Coe Commissioner for Human rights expresses concerns at the adoption in December 2015 of transitional legislation in the field of public service media, pending the adoption of a wider reform in this area, expected before the summer 2016.

11 February 2016

Molotov Cocktails and Gun Attacks on Yeni Şafak and Yeni Akit Newspapers
"Attacks against media outlets in Turkey unacceptable", says OSCE Media Freedom Representative

11 February 2016

Poland Legalises Mass Surveillance of its Citizens
The Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly requested the opinion of the Venice Commission on the Polish draft law amending the Law on Police.

26 January 2016

Journalist Stoyan Tonchev Brutally Attacked
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media condemns violent attack on journalist in Bulgaria, urges investigation

25 January 2016

Polish Law on Public Service Broadcasting Removes Guarantees of Independence
Response of the Government of Poland

21 January 2016

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan
CoE Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks intervenes before the European Court of Human Rights on the case of Khadija Ismayilova

14 January 2016

Polish Law on Public Service Broadcasting Removes Guarantees of Independence
CoE Secretary General mentions changes to the Polish Radio and Television Broadcasting Act in his address to the Committee of Ministers

14 January 2016

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül
CoE Secretary General mentions the continuing detention of Can Dündar and Erdem Gül in his allocution to the Committee of Ministers about the outcome of the meeeting of the informal working group on freedom of expression in Turkey

12 January 2016

Cumhuriyet Journalist Canan Coşkun Faces 23 Years in Prison for Alleged Insult
Response from the Turkish Government

11 January 2016

Journalist Beyza Kural Briefly Detained and Threatened with Violence by Police While Covering Protest
Response of the Turkish Gouvernment

11 January 2016

'Today's Zaman' Journalist Bülent Keneş Arrested
Response of the Turkish Government

8 January 2016

ABC News Cameraman Attacked and Detained for Three Hours by Police
Response of the Ministry of Interior of Albania

6 January 2016

Polish Law on Public Service Broadcasting Removes Guarantees of Independence
OSCE Media Freedom Representative urges Poland’s government to withdraw proposed changes to the selection of management in public service broadcasters

5 January 2016

Polish Law on Public Service Broadcasting Removes Guarantees of Independence
Call by the CoE Commissioner for Human Rights on Polish President not to sign new Media Law

5 January 2016

Polish Law on Public Service Broadcasting Removes Guarantees of Independence
Coe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland expresses his particular concern with regard to the new Polish law on public service broadcasting and the impact it may have on the integrity and independence of public service media.

15 December 2015

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül
Statement of the Permanent Representative of Turkey to the Council of Europe to the 1242nd meeting of the Ministrers' Deputies

15 December 2015

UK Draft Bill on Surveillance Threatens Protection of Journalists' Sources
Response of the United Kingdom Government

15 December 2015

Slovenian Investigative Journalist Anuška Delić Charged over “Intelligence Material”
On 20 October 2015, the Act amending article 260 of the Slovenian Criminal Code entered into force. According the amended article, an individual disclosing classified information does no longer incur criminal liability provided that public interest in disclosing classified information outweighs that in maintaining its secrecy.

7 December 2015

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice)

3 December 2015

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül
CoE Secretary General focuses on the arrest of Can Dündar and Erdem Gül in his address to the Committee of Ministers

1 December 2015

Kurdish Daily Attacked, Doors Broken and 32 Journalists Interrogated
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

30 November 2015

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül
Hürriyet Daily News article quoting the statement by the spokesperson of European Council Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland

30 November 2015

Two Turkish Journalists, Cevheri Güven and Murat Çapan, Charged with "Inciting Armed Rebellion"
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice)

27 November 2015

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül
Statement by Nils Muiznieks, CoE Commissioner for Human Rights

27 November 2015

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül
Ingebjørg Godskesen and Nataša Vuckovic, co-rapporteurs for PACE’s post-monitoring dialogue with Turkey question arrests of leading journalists

27 November 2015

Imprisonment of Two Senior Editors of the Turkish Daily Cumhuriyet, Can Dündar and Erdem Gül
OSCE Representative condemns arrest of journalists Can Dündar and Erdem Gül, urges Turkey not to proceed with charges

25 November 2015

Turkey: Seizure of Media Holding, with Police Raids and Temporary Closure of Two Major Television Channels, Days Prior to Elections
Response from the Turkish Government

24 November 2015

Serbian Journalist Predrag Blagojević Assaulted by Police at a Music Festival over Identification
Reply from the Republic of Serbia provided by the Ministry of Interior

17 November 2015

Detention of the Vice News Fixer Mohammed Ismael Rasool
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice)

17 November 2015

Hürriyet Journalist Ahmet Hakan Threatened and Attacked
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice)

16 November 2015

Police Used Teargas Against a Group of About 30 Journalists
Reply of the Ministry of Interior of the Goverment of Montenegro

12 November 2015

Three Media Staff Assaulted at Pegida Rally
Response of the German Government (Ministry of the Interior of the Free State of Saxony)

12 November 2015

Journalist Attacked in Paris by Members or Supporters of the Jewish Defense League
OSCE Representative raises concern over attack of Buzzfeed journalist and threats to storm AFP offices in France, welcomes swift police action.

12 November 2015

Serbian Investigative Journalist Ivan Ninić Suffers Brutal Attack
Response of the Serbian Government (Ministry of Interior)

10 November 2015

UK Draft Bill on Surveillance Threatens Protection of Journalists' Sources
OSCE media freedom representative urges caution and further consideration of new Investigatory Powers Bill in the United Kingdom

30 October 2015

Turkey: Seizure of Media Holding, with Police Raids and Temporary Closure of Two Major Television Channels, Days Prior to Elections
OSCE Representative condemns police raid against media outlets in Turkey, calls on authorities to restore and ensure media pluralism

30 October 2015

Turkey: Seizure of Media Holding, with Police Raids and Temporary Closure of Two Major Television Channels, Days Prior to Elections
The Commissioner for Human Rights Nils Muižnieks condemns the Turkish police’s violent raids against the media

30 October 2015

Turkey: Seizure of Media Holding, with Police Raids and Temporary Closure of Two Major Television Channels, Days Prior to Elections
Statement by the Spokesperson of the Secretary General

23 October 2015

Spanish Public Security Law Threatens Freedom of Press
PACE Monitoring Committee asks the Venice Commission for an opinion on the Citizen Security Law.

22 October 2015

Journalist Seyithan Akyüz Sentenced to more than 22 Years
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

22 October 2015

Art and Literature Journalist Erdal Süsem Serving Life Sentence in Turkey
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

22 October 2015

Left-Wing Female Journalist Hatice Duman Serving Life-Time Imprisonment in Turkey
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

22 October 2015

Journalist Kenan Karavil Sentenced to more than 19 Years
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

22 October 2015

Alawite Journalist Miktat Algül Sentenced to 61 Years in Turkey
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey

22 October 2015

Journalist Mustafa Gök Serving Life Sentence in Turkey
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

22 October 2015

Journalist Ali Konar Sentenced to over 7 Years in Jail
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

22 October 2015

Investigative Journalist Mehmet Baransu Arrested
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

22 October 2015

Journalist Hidayet Karaca Arrested
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

22 October 2015

Journalist Erol Zavar, Suffering from a Cancer, is Serving Life Sentence in Turkey
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

22 October 2015

Dutch Journalist Frederike Geerdink Deported by Turkey
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

22 October 2015

Turkish Cartoonists Bahadır Baruter and Özer Aydoğan Found Guilty of Insulting President Erdoğan
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

22 October 2015

Police Violence Against a Journalist Covering Protests in Turkey
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

22 October 2015

Newspaper Editor Prosecuted for Insulting the President over Reports about a Judicial Corruption Probe
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

22 October 2015

Dutch Journalist Charged with ‘Terrorism’ in Turkey
Response of the Turkish Government (information provided by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Turkey)

14 October 2015

'Today's Zaman' Journalist Bülent Keneş Arrested
Statement by CoE Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland

6 October 2015

Swiss Intelligence Act Threatens Secrecy of Journalistic Sources
Letter from the Commissioner for Human Rights of 23 September 2015 to Mr Ueli Muller, Federal Consellor, on the Intelligence Bill; Ueli Muller's response of 6 October 2015 (in French).

1 October 2015

Hürriyet Journalist Ahmet Hakan Threatened and Attacked
Secretary General Jagland condemns attack on Hürriyet journalist Ahmet Hakan

1 October 2015

Hürriyet Journalist Ahmet Hakan Threatened and Attacked
PACE President expresses concern at attack on Hürriyet columnist

1 October 2015

Hürriyet Journalist Ahmet Hakan Threatened and Attacked
OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns attack on journalist Ahmet Hakan, and calls for improved safety of journalists in Turkey

24 September 2015

Georgian TV Channel Rustavi 2 Faces Crippling Court Measures in Civil Case
Response of the Georgian Government

17 September 2015

Ukraine Bans 38 European Journalists and Bloggers over “National Interest, Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity"
Statement by the Commissioner for Human Rights

17 September 2015

Ukraine Bans 38 European Journalists and Bloggers over “National Interest, Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity"
Statement by the Spokesperson of the Secretary General on Ukraine's sanctions against media

15 September 2015

Turkish Special Operations Team Attacks Journalists Covering the Transfer of Injured Police Officer to a Hospital
Response of the Turkish Government

9 September 2015

Serbian Investigative Journalist Ivan Ninić Suffers Brutal Attack
Statement of the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights

8 September 2015

Journalist Fired over Tweets Critical of Erdoğan
Response of the Turkish Government

1 September 2015

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan
Statement of the OSCE Representative for Media Freedom

1 September 2015

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan
Statement by the Spokesperson of Secretary General Jagland on the verdict in the case of Khadija Ismayilova in Azerbaijan

1 September 2015

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan
PACE President deplores Khadija Ismayilova sentence in Azerbaijan

28 August 2015

Murder of Azerbaijani Journalist Rasim Aliyev
Comments of the Government of Azerbaijan

28 August 2015

Attacks and Intimidation on Journalists Covering Workers’ Strikes in Turkey
Response of the Turkish Government

28 August 2015

Meydan TV Director Emin Milli Threatened for Critical Reporting on European Games
Comments of the Government of Azerbaijan

27 August 2015

DIHA Journalist Cüneyt Yavuz Injured in Tear Gas Canister Attack During Clashes Between Police and Protesters
Response of the Turkish Government

27 August 2015

Turkey’s Chief Prosecutor Seeks 7.5 Year Jail Term Against 18 Journalists over Siege Picture
Response of the Turkish Government

27 August 2015

LGBT Journalist Beaten by Police Officers
Response of the Turkish Government

25 August 2015

Serbian Journalist Predrag Blagojević Assaulted by Police at a Music Festival over Identification
OSCE media freedom representative calls for full investigation into police attack on journalist in Serbia

21 August 2015

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan
Statement of the CoE Commissioner for Human Rights

11 August 2015

Journalists Beaten and Arrested while Covering Protest Demonstration
Reply from the Armenian authorities

11 August 2015

Murder of Azerbaijani Journalist Rasim Aliyev
OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media condemns killing of journalist in Azerbaijan, calls on President Aliyev to ensure safety of journalists and free media

10 August 2015

Murder of Azerbaijani Journalist Rasim Aliyev
Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland condemns attack on Azerbaijani journalist Rasim Aliyev

4 August 2015

Two Journalists Targeted by a Judicial Inquiry for Treason
OSCE representative warns about impact on free media of criminal investigation of Netzpolitik.org journalists in Germany

3 August 2015

Journalist Sergei Ilchenko Jailed on Extremism Charges in Moldova’s Transdniester Region
Response of the Government of the Republic of Moldova

9 July 2015

Journalist Lukasz Masiak Beaten to Death
Response of the Government of Poland

30 June 2015

Electoral Coverage under Political Control in Spain
Response of the Spanish Authorities

24 June 2015

French Journalist at the Origin of LuxLeaks Revelations Charged in Luxembourg
Letter from the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe (in French)

23 June 2015

Journalists Beaten and Arrested while Covering Protest Demonstration
Statement of the Human Rights Commissioner on protests in Armenia : media should be able to work in a safe and free environment

23 June 2015

Journalists Beaten and Arrested while Covering Protest Demonstration
Statement by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media: 'Safety of journalists must be ensured at all times, OSCE Representative says, following attacks on journalists in Armenia'

1 June 2015

Journalist Seymour Hazi Sentenced on Hooliganism Charges
Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

1 June 2015

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan
Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

1 June 2015

Journalist Nijat Aliyev Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail in Baku
Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

1 June 2015

Senior Journalist Araz Guliyev Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison in Azerbaijan
Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

1 June 2015

Trumped-up Charges and Trial Without Due Process to Silence an Azerbaijani Journalist
Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

1 June 2015

Independent Senior Journalist Parviz Hashimli Jailed in Azerbaijan
Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

1 June 2015

Media Freedom Activist Emin Huseynov Charged with Tax Evasion and Abuse of Power
Reply by the Government of Azerbaijan

21 May 2015

Slovenian Investigative Journalist Anuška Delić Charged over “Intelligence Material”
Government approves the draft amendments to the Criminal Code

20 May 2015

France Legalises Mass Surveillance of its Citizens
The Commissioner for Human Rights addressed the French Senate on surveillance bill

15 May 2015

Two Danish Journalists Prosecuted for Exposing a Public Health Hazard
Response from the Danish Government

15 May 2015

Spanish Public Security Law Threatens Freedom of Press
Response of the Spanish Authorities

12 May 2015

Administrative Blocking of Websites "Inciting Terrorism"
Reply by the French authorities

12 May 2015

France Legalises Mass Surveillance of its Citizens
Reply by the French authorities

6 May 2015

France Legalises Mass Surveillance of its Citizens
Press Release from OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media

28 April 2015

French Journalist at the Origin of LuxLeaks Revelations Charged in Luxembourg
OSCE Representative on the Freedom of Media: Journalists should not face criminal charges for their work

22 April 2015

Macedonian Journalist Faces Death Threat
Statement by Commissioner Nils Muižnieks

16 April 2015

Pro-Russia Journalist, Oles Buzyna, Gunned Down in Kyiv, Ukraine
Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland: 'Attacks on journalists are unacceptable, whether in conflict or peace. Killing of Oles Buzyna in Ukraine must be fully investigated.'

13 April 2015

Slovenian Investigative Journalist Anuška Delić Charged over “Intelligence Material”
Response by Slovenian Minister of Justice to Council of Europe Secretary General

13 April 2015

France Legalises Mass Surveillance of its Citizens
Statement by Commissioner of Human Rights

2 April 2015

Forced Closure of Crimean Tatar-Language Media Outlets
Thorbjørn Jagland urges Crimean Tatar TV station to continue

2 April 2015

Forced Closure of Crimean Tatar-Language Media Outlets
Commissioner Muižnieks calls for unhindered broadcasting of ATR TV

22 January 2015

Investigative Journalist Sergei Reznik Handed a 3-Year Jail Term for ‘Insults’ Charges in Russia
OSCE Representative denounces conviction of independent journalist and blogger in Russia
Twitter feed Twitter feed
Follow-ups to alerts Follow-ups to alerts

4 August 2020

TV Journalist Sinan Gluhić Attacked by Politician

Reply from the Bosnian authorities

3 August 2020

Journalist Bojana Pavlović Harassed in Front of the Police who Confiscated her Phone

Reply of the Serbian authorities (Ministry of the Interior)

31 July 2020

Critical Greek Media Excluded or Side-Lined from State Funding Package during Covid-19

Reply from the Greek Authorities

30 July 2020

Blogging Site ‘Medium.com’ Blocked in Albania

Reply from the Albanian authorities

28 July 2020

Turkey Proposes Social Media Law, Threatening Press Freedom

CoE Commissioner for Human Rights considers that "the amendments proposed to the Internet legislation in Turkey will make a legal framework that is already incompatible with CoE standards much worse"

28 July 2020

The Dutch Travel Restriction Law Threatens Media Freedom

Reply from the Netherlands authorities

22 July 2020

Photojournalist Wojciech Atys Taken to Court after Reporting on a Protest

Reply from the Polish authorities

21 July 2020

Death Threats against N1 Journalist Nikola Vučić

Reply from the Bosnian authorities

16 July 2020

Lawsuits Filed against the Romanian Centre for Investigative Journalism

Reply from the Romanian authorities

16 July 2020

Heavy Fines and Shutdown Threat against Albanian TV Channel

Response from the Albanian authorities

16 July 2020

Media Owner Kastriot Reçi Killed in Albania

Response from the Albanian authorities

16 July 2020

Prime Minister Pressures Online Portals and Information Channels

Response of the Albanian authorities

16 July 2020

News 24 Channel Shuts Down two Critical Talk Shows

Response from the Albanian authorities

16 July 2020

British Journalist Targeted by Smear Campaign

Response from the Albanian authorities

15 July 2020

Slovak Investigative Journalist Peter Sabo Finds Bullet in His Mailbox

Reply of the Slovak authorities

9 July 2020

Threats and Insults against Journalists in Faktor.ba Newsroom

Response from the authorities of Bosnia Herzegovina

7 July 2020

Reporter Eugenija Carl Receives Threatening Letter with White Powder

Reply from the Slovenian authorities

6 July 2020

Russia Investigates Reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva, Seizes Property over Allegations of "Justifying Terrorism"

OSCE Media Freedom Representative Harlem Désir dismayed by court verdict against journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva in Russia

6 July 2020

Russia Investigates Reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva, Seizes Property over Allegations of "Justifying Terrorism"

According to the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, "the verdict against journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva reflect[s] once again the urgency to overhaul legislation governing freedom of assembly and of expression, as well as anti-terrorism and anti-extremism legislation in the Russian Federation".

2 July 2020

Attack on Russian Journalist David Frenkel Covering Constitutional Election

CoE Commissioner for Human Rights considers that "the excessive use of force by the Russian police against journalist David Frenkel is an unacceptable interference with press freedom"

2 July 2020

Journalists Attacked and Labelled as "Terrorists" during Far Right Protests in Rome

Reply from the Italian authorities (Ministry of Interior)

25 June 2020

Loyalist Threats against Journalists in Northern Ireland

Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

25 June 2020

Threats of Legal Action against Cartoonist Gábor Pápai

Reaction from the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

24 June 2020

New “Anti-defamation” Legislative Package Threatens Online Media Freedom

On 19 June 2020, the Venice Commission adopted an opinion on draft amendments to the Law n°97/2013 on the Audiovisual Media Service. While acknowledging "the efforts of the Albanian authorities to be transparent, to respond to the criticism and to improve the text of the draft amendments", the Commission considers that "the draft amendments are not ready for adoption in their current form. The law suffers from vagueness and would likely to have a “chilling effect” suppressing free discussion and political speech in the Albanian sector of the internet."

16 June 2020

Crimean Tatar Journalists Osman Arifmemetov, Remzi Bekirov and Rustem Sheikhaliev Detained by Russian Authorities

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

15 June 2020

ZDF Camera Crew Severely Assaulted in Berlin

Reply by the German authorities

12 June 2020

Two Journalists, Müyesser Yıldız and İsmail Dükel, Detained by Police for “Military Espionage”; Yıldız Arrested

OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned by prison sentences against two journalists in Turkey, urges authorities to respect freedom of expression

10 June 2020

TV Journalist Sinan Gluhić Attacked by Politician

OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns physical attack and threats against journalist in Zenica

10 June 2020

Anti-Refugee Protesters Attack Journalists

Reply from the Greek authorities (Ministry of Justice)

9 June 2020

Journalist Metin Uca Sentenced to 14 Months for Tweeting Suspiciously Accurate Election Forecast by State-run News Agency

OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned by prison sentences against two journalists in Turkey, urges authorities to respect freedom of expression

5 June 2020

Journalist Oleksandr Vlashchenko Assaulted by Unknown Assaillant

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

29 May 2020

Reporter Fabio Buonafiglio’s Car Set on Fire

Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

29 May 2020

Journalist Gennaro Del Giudice Threatened by Mafia Group

Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

27 May 2020

Smear Campaign Against Four Sport Journalists

Response from the Greek authorities (Ministry of Justice)

26 May 2020

Government Signals Reversal of Commitments to End Jail Penalties for Journalists in Defamation Law

Reply from the Italian authorities

22 May 2020

Investigative News Platform Slidstvo.info Hit with Criminal Probe

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

22 May 2020

The Work of the Ukrainian Public Broadcaster UA: PBC Blocked, all Accounts Arrested.

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

19 May 2020

Cartoonist Mahmoud Abbas Threatened with Death

Reply from the Swedish authorities

18 May 2020

Portuguese Journalists Banned from Entering Spain

Reply from the Spanish authorities

18 May 2020

Exiled Pakistani Journalist Sajid Hussain Baloch Found Dead

Reply from the Swedish authorities

18 May 2020

Suspected Plot to Attack an "Irish News" Journalist

Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

18 May 2020

Graffiti Threatens Safety of Northern Ireland Journalist Leona O'Neill

Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

18 May 2020

Continued Impunity for Murder of Journalist Martin O'Hagan in 2001

Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

18 May 2020

Editor Abdulmumin Gadzhiev Detained in Russia on Terrorism Charges

OSCE Media Freedom Representative reiterates concern over continued detention of Russian journalist Abdulmumin Gadzhiev, calls for his release

18 May 2020

Journalist Lyra McKee Killed in Northern Ireland

Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

12 May 2020

Polish Clothing Company LLP Files Lawsuit against two Polish Journalists for Newsweek Poland Article

Reply from the Polish authorities (Ministry of Justice)

11 May 2020

Loyalist Threats against Journalists in Northern Ireland

OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns serious threats against journalists in Northern Ireland

11 May 2020

Fox TV Banned from Broadcast, Anchor Fatih Portakal Faces Three-Year Imprisonment

OSCE Media Freedom Representative worried about media bans imposed by Turkey’s Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK)

11 May 2020

Turkish Radio and Television High Council Cancels Broadcast of Northern Cypriot Diyalog TV

OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned about blocking of Turkish-Cypriot Diyalog TV channel

11 May 2020

Journalist Ana Lalic Detained Overnight after Reporting on Conditions in Hospital

Response from the Serbian authorities (Ministry of Interior)

11 May 2020

Journalist Tetiana Sivokon Attacked while Reporting on Sale of Protective Masks

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

11 May 2020

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

On 7 May 2020, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that Azerbaijan failed to protect Ismayilova’s right to privacy, saying the country's courts should have sanctioned a local newspaper for an article making salacious claims and commentary about her private and sexual life. The Court also awarded Ismayilova with a total of 6,000 euros for damages, costs, and expenses.

6 May 2020

Emergency Restrictions Force Media to Suppress Independent Information on COVID-19

Reply from the Armenian authorities

6 May 2020

Emergency Restrictions Force Media to Suppress Independent Information on COVID-19

State comment regarding the statement on data protection attached to the alert

24 April 2020

Chechen President Threatens Journalist Elena Milashina with Death

PACE rapporteurs call on Russian authorities to protect journalist Elena Milashina as a matter of urgency.

17 April 2020

Bulgarian Newspaper Editor Slavi Angelov Severely Beaten in Attack by Masked Men in Central Sofia

Reply from the Bulgarian authorities

17 April 2020

Satabank Co-Owner Files SLAPPs against Maltese Blogger Manuel Delia and Times of Malta in Bulgaria

Reply from the Bulgarian authorities

16 April 2020

Threats and Insults against Journalists in Faktor.ba Newsroom

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media denounces the threats and insults against Faktorba journalists.

15 April 2020

'La Repubblica' Chief Editor Carlo Verdelli under Police Protection after Receiving Death Threats

Reply from the Italian authorities

15 April 2020

Arson Attack against Holos Sambirshchyny Newspaper

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

7 April 2020

Slovenian Prime Minister Attacks Radiotelevizija Slovenija (RTVS) on Social Media

Response by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia

3 April 2020

Journalist Ana Lalic Detained Overnight after Reporting on Conditions in Hospital

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes reversal by Serbian Government of decision on public information.

1 April 2020

Government Plan to Strongly Reduce Funding for Public Service Broadcasting

OSCE Media Freedom Representative Désir calls on Ukrainian Government not to cut budget of public service broadcaster.

31 March 2020

Bulgarian Newspaper Editor Slavi Angelov Severely Beaten in Attack by Masked Men in Central Sofia

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights calls for stronger commitment to increase media freedom in Bulgaria

31 March 2020

Satabank Co-Owner Files SLAPPs against Maltese Blogger Manuel Delia and Times of Malta in Bulgaria

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights calls for stronger commitment to increase media freedom in Bulgaria

28 March 2020

Slovenian Prime Minister Attacks Radiotelevizija Slovenija (RTVS) on Social Media

OSCE Media Freedom Representative urges public officials in Slovenia to refrain from pressure on independence of public broadcaster

27 March 2020

Slovenian Journalist Blaž Zgaga Targeted by a Defamation and Hate Campaign Led by the New Government

Reply from the Slovenian authorities

27 March 2020

Media Freedom Advocates Raise Alarm over UK Counter-Terror Bill

Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

27 March 2020

Proposal Set To Increase Prison Sentences For Leaking Official Documents

Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

25 March 2020

Emergency Restrictions Force Media to Suppress Independent Information on COVID-19

Сoronavirus response should not impede the work of the media in Armenia, says OSCE Media Freedom Representative

24 March 2020

Hungary Seeks Power to Jail Journalists over ‘False Information’ in COVID-19 Coverage

Council of Europe Secretary General writes to Victor Orbán regarding COVID-19 state of emergency in Hungary

23 March 2020

Hungary Seeks Power to Jail Journalists over ‘False Information’ in COVID-19 Coverage

Сoronavirus response bill should not impede the work of the media in Hungary, says OSCE Media Freedom Representative

20 March 2020

Continued Detention of WikiLeaks Founder and Publisher Julian Assange

Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

20 March 2020

Journalists Ian Cobain and Solomon Hughes Denied Accreditation to the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) Arms Fair

Reply from the United Kingdom authorities

19 March 2020

Bulgarian Newspaper Editor Slavi Angelov Severely Beaten in Attack by Masked Men in Central Sofia

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media condemns brutal attack on journalist Angelov in Bulgaria, calls on authorities to investigate the crime.

18 March 2020

Chechen Blogger Tumso Abdurakhmanov Assaulted

Reply from the Swedish authorities

18 March 2020

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

PACE monitors for Azerbaijan welcome release of Afgan Mukhtarli.

16 March 2020

Pipe Bomb Attack on Cyprus MC Digital Media News Agency Offices

Reply from the Republic of Cyprus

12 March 2020

Public Radio Journalist Sanctioned for Refusing to Broadcast Discriminatory Information

Reply from the Polish authorities (information from the National Broadcasting Council KRRiT)

10 March 2020

Slovak Columnist Charged with Criminal Defamation for Criticism of Priest

Reply from the Slovak authtorities

9 March 2020

Odatv Executives and Journalists Detained over an Article

Journalists should not be detained for reporting on issues of public interest, says OSCE Representative Désir after arrest of 6 journalists in Turkey.

6 March 2020

Harassment of Russian Agency Journalists in Turkey

OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns arrest of Sputnik journalists in Turkey, calls for their protection

2 March 2020

The Work of the Ukrainian Public Broadcaster UA: PBC Blocked, all Accounts Arrested.

OSCE Representative Désir calls on Ukrainian authorities to find swift and effective solution for unblocking accounts of public broadcasting company.

2 March 2020

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

On 27 February 2020, the European Court of Human Rights issued its Chamber judgment in the second case of Khadija Ismayilova against Azerbaijan. The Court held that the journalist had been arrested and detained without a reasonable suspicion of an offence. The Court found in particular that one of the charges against her – that she had incited a former colleague to commit suicide – was based on a complaint made under coercion and that other charges related to her work at Radio Azadliq were not backed up by facts. The Court concluded that the authorities’ actions against Ms Ismayilova had been driven by the intent to silence her and found several violations of the ECHR, including a violation of Article 18 in conjunction with Article 5.

27 February 2020

Spanish Journalist Raquel Guillán Assaulted While Reporting Live on TV

Reply from the Spanish authorities

27 February 2020

Journalist Katarzyna Wlodkowska Faces Investigation Following Report on Assassination of Mayor

Reply from the Polish authorities

27 February 2020

Thomas Jacobi, a Journalist Working for La Croix and Deutsche Welle, Attacked in Athens by Far-Right Protesters

Response from the Greek authorities (Ministry of Citizen's Protection)

21 February 2020

Continued Detention of WikiLeaks Founder and Publisher Julian Assange

CoE Human Rights Commissioner declared that "Julian Assange should not be extradited due to potential impact on press freedom and concerns about ill-treatment".

18 February 2020

Novaya Gazeta Journalist Assaulted in Chechnya

PACE Rapporteur on media freedom and the safety of journalists calls on Russian authorities to urgently investigate attack on journalist and lawyer in Chechnya.

14 February 2020

Two Journalism Students Arrested in Lille while Photographing Police Officers

Reply from the French authorities

14 February 2020

A French Police Union Releases a List of Journalists Described as Enemies of the National Police

Reply from the French authorities

11 February 2020

Novaya Gazeta Journalist Assaulted in Chechnya

Attack against journalist and lawyer in Grozny, Russia, extremely concerning, OSCE Media Freedom Representative urges full and thorough investigation.

11 February 2020

Novaya Gazeta Journalist Assaulted in Chechnya

CoE Human Rights Commissioner declared that the Russian authorities must ensure the safety and security of Elena Milashina and Marina Dubrovina and carry out a prompt, independent and effective investigation and punish those responsible for organising and committing this offence.

11 February 2020

Thomas Jacobi, a Journalist Working for La Croix and Deutsche Welle, Attacked in Athens by Far-Right Protesters

Response from the Greek authorities (Ministry of Justice)

4 February 2020

Crimea’s Prosecution Opens Criminal Probe against Journalist Mykola Semena

OSCE Media Freedom Representative relieved that suspended sentence and probationary ban of Ukrainian RFE/RL journalist in Crimea came to an end.

30 January 2020

Continued Detention of WikiLeaks Founder and Publisher Julian Assange

On 28 January 2020, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution titled “Threats to media freedom and journalists’ security in Europe, which states that member states should consider” the detention and criminal prosecution of Mr Julian Assange sets a dangerous precedent for journalists, and join the recommendation of the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment who declared, on 1 November 2019, that Mr Assange's extradition to the United States must be barred and that he must be promptly released”.

27 January 2020

Ukraine’s Draft Law on Combating Disinformation and Regulating Media Activity Threatens Freedom of Speech

OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned by several provisions of Ukraine’s new draft law on disinformation.

24 January 2020

Head of the Russian Republic of Chuvashia says Critical Journalists Should be “Wiped Out”

For the OSCE Representative for Media Freedom "such a declaration from a public official is unacceptable and may endanger journalists’ safety."

24 January 2020

Russian State News Agency Sputnik Shuts Tallinn Bureau Under Pressure From Estonian Police

Response from the Estonian authorities

24 January 2020

New “Anti-defamation” Legislative Package Threatens Online Media Freedom

On 22 January 2020, the Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly requested an opinion of the Venice Commission concerning the Albanian Law no. 97/2013 ‘on Audiovisual Media Service’.

23 January 2020

Thomas Jacobi, a Journalist Working for La Croix and Deutsche Welle, Attacked in Athens by Far-Right Protesters

Attack against journalist in Greece unacceptable, OSCE Media Freedom Representative urges full investigation

21 January 2020

Journalist Miodrag Sovilj Targeted by Smear Campaign after Interviewing President Vučić

Reply from the Serbian authorities (Ministry of Interior)

21 January 2020

Crimea’s Prosecution Opens Criminal Probe against Journalist Mykola Semena

OSCE Representative glad the Simferopol district court ended Crimean journalist Mykola Semena’s probationary ban on public activities and expunged his criminal record.He calls for drop of all charges.

14 January 2020

New “Anti-defamation” Legislative Package Threatens Online Media Freedom

OSCE Media Freedom Representative expresses readiness to continue working with Albanian authorities to improve media legislation.

10 January 2020

Journalist Anđela Đikanović Charged with “Causing Panic and Disorder”

Official reply of the Government of Montenegro

9 January 2020

Russian State News Agency Sputnik Shuts Tallinn Bureau Under Pressure From Estonian Police

OSCE Representative on Freedom of Media encourages authorities to refrain from unnecessary limitations on the work of foreign media.

6 January 2020

Information Website joqalbania.com Blocked

Reply from the Albanian authorities

31 December 2019

Blogger Mehman Huseynov Beaten by Police

OSCE media freedom representative reacts after attack on blogger

20 December 2019

Crimean Tatar Journalists Osman Arifmemetov, Remzi Bekirov and Rustem Sheikhaliev Detained by Russian Authorities

OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns arrest of citizen journalists in Crimea, calls for their immediate release.

19 December 2019

Journalist Nadège Picard Targeted by Police Fire

Reply from the French authorities

19 December 2019

Government Decided to Abolish Public Funding to the Press

Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers)

19 December 2019

Deputy Prime Minister Di Maio and former MP Battista Insulted Journalists

Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers)

19 December 2019

Police Searched the Home of Journalist Salvo Palazzolo

Reply from the Italian authorities

19 December 2019

Minister Di Maio Threatens to Reduce Indirect Public Funding to the Press

Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers)

19 December 2019

Journalist Enrico Nascimbeni Attacked with a Knife in Milan

Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

19 December 2019

Police Failure to Respond to the Serious Threats a Journalist Received Online

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes the 6-month suspended sentence and the €5,000 fine handed down to a man responsible for harassing the journalist Julie Hainaut: "Online threats against female journalists are unbearable and have no place in society."

19 December 2019

Italy: Journalist Sentenced to Four months in Jail for "Trespassing"

Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

19 December 2019

Journalist Daniele Lupo slapped by former Minister

Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

19 December 2019

Italian Newspaper La Repubblica's Headquarters Attacked by Forza Nuova Supporters

Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

19 December 2019

Italian Investigative Journalist Suffered Data Theft In Home Burglary

Reply from the Italian authorities (information provided by the Ministry of Interior)

17 December 2019

Attack on Online Portal Hayeli.am

Reply from the Armenian Republic authorities

17 December 2019

New “Anti-defamation” Legislative Package Threatens Online Media Freedom

CoE Human Rights Commissioner urges Albania’s Parliament to review bills which restrict freedom of expression.

17 December 2019

Leader of La France Insoumise Party Calls to ‘Badmouth’ France Info Journalists

Reply from the French authorities

17 December 2019

Violence Against Reporters During 11 Days of Protests in Armenia

Reply from the Armenian Republic authorities

17 December 2019

Lack of Effective Investigation into Police Violence and Obstruction of Journalist’s Work

Reply from the Armenian Republic authorities

16 December 2019

Reporters Michael Colborne and Oleksiy Kuzmenko Threatened and Harassed

Reply from the Ukrainian authorities

16 December 2019

Ukrainian Court Rules to Block Access to 17 Online Media

Reply from the Ukrainian authorities

16 December 2019

Threats to the Independence of the Daily "Le Monde"

Reply from the French authorities

16 December 2019

Journalist and Blogger Igor Stakh Beaten in Ukraine

Reply from the Ukrainian authorities

16 December 2019

Violent Attack Against France 3 Cameraman

Reply from the French authorities

13 December 2019

Journalist Pavel Sheremet Killed in Car Explosion

OSCE Media Freedom Representative expresses hope that all who perpetrated and ordered the murder of Pavlo Sheremet in Ukraine are brought to justice.

12 December 2019

Journalists Detained and Subjected to Police Violence while Covering Peaceful Protests

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Journalist Seymur Hazi Detained in Run-Up to Protests

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Journalist Polad Aslanov Arrested, Jailed and Charged with High Treason

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Anar Mammadov Gets Suspended Prison Sentence

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Journalist Ziya Asadli Held in Detention since September 2017

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Continued Impunity for Murder of Azerbaijani journalist Rafiq Tagi

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Blogger Rashad Ramazanov Jailed for Nine Years

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Journalist Detained When Crossing Border Following Travel Ban

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to refrain from imposing arbitrary or disproportionate travel bans and to lift immediately those which are in contradiction with the right to leave the country.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Director of Internet Television Re-arrested

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Fikret Faramazoglu, Azerbaijani Chief Editor of News Website Sentenced to Seven Years on Extortion Charges

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Freelance Journalist, Nijat Amiraslanov, Sentenced to 30 Days Imprisonment

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Exiled Journalist Afgan Mukhtarli Abducted, Detained and Faces Charges in Azerbaijan

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Opposition and Independent News Websites Blocked

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to bring the legislation and practice affecting Internet freedom in line with European standards.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Journalist Elchin Ismayilli Sentenced to 9 year in Prison

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Freelance Journalist Sentenced to 30 days Administrative Detention

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azadliq Newspaper Stops Publishing in Azerbaijan After Arrest of Financial Director

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijani Journalist Ikram Rahimov Sentenced to One Year in Jail on Libel Charges

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Closure of Azerbaijani TV Channel

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to bring the legislation and practice affecting Internet freedom in line with European standards.

12 December 2019

Criminal Investigation Launched against Azerbaijani Online Media Outlet Meydan TV

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to bring the legislation and practice affecting Internet freedom in line with European standards.

12 December 2019

Journalist Seymour Hazi Sentenced on Hooliganism Charges

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Trumped-up Charges to Silence an Investigative Journalist in Azerbaijan

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Journalist Nijat Aliyev Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail in Baku

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Senior Journalist Araz Guliyev Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison in Azerbaijan

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Azerbaijan Arrested Prominent Journalist Rauf Mirkadyrov for Espionage

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

12 December 2019

Media Freedom Activist Emin Huseynov Charged with Tax Evasion and Abuse of Power

In her report following her visit to Azerbaijan from 8 to 12 July 2019, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights regrets that no progress has been made regarding the protection of freedom of expression and calls on the authorities to release all those detained because of the views they expressed, notably journalists.

11 December 2019

Journalist İdris Özyol Severely Beaten Up

Worried about reports that journalist İdris Özyol was found unconscious on the street, OSCE Media Freedom Representative hopes that the investigation will determine the cause of the accident.

10 December 2019

New “Anti-defamation” Legislative Package Threatens Online Media Freedom

OSCE Media Freedom Representative recommends further improvements to laws on online media in Albania.

6 December 2019

Journalists Locked Inside the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta Following a Press Conference

Reply from the Maltese authorities

5 December 2019

AfD’s Politician Björn Höcke Threatens Journalist of ‘Massive consequences’ over Interview Questions

Reply from the German authorities

4 December 2019

Belgian Journalists Nicolas Lahaut and Adrien Heylen Fined and Detained by the Police

Reply from the French authorities

4 December 2019

Journalists Covering the G7 Summit Victims of Abusive Police Confiscations and Controls

Reply from the French authorities

4 December 2019

Duma Committee Approves Legislation to Label Individual Journalists “Foreign Agents”

OSCE Representative Désir concerned by enactment of law broadening “foreign agent” status to individuals.

2 December 2019

Journalists Locked Inside the Office of the Prime Minister of Malta Following a Press Conference

OSCE Media Freedom Representative concerned by incident with journalists blocked several minutes in Malta Government building.

2 December 2019

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media welcomes new indictment in murder case of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia

29 November 2019

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights urges the Maltese government to ensure the independence of the investigation into the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia

27 November 2019

New Restrictions on Journalists Working in Hungarian Parliament

Reply from the Hungarian authorities (National Assembly)

27 November 2019

Journalists Banned from Covering the Evacuation of Amazon France's Headquarters

Reply from the French authorities (in French)

21 November 2019

Duma Committee Approves Legislation to Label Individual Journalists “Foreign Agents”

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights called on the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation to refrain from adopting the draft law currently under examination that would significantly extend the definition and scope of a “foreign agent”.

20 November 2019

Duma Committee Approves Legislation to Label Individual Journalists “Foreign Agents”

OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media urges Russian authorities to refrain from broadening “foreign agents” status to individuals.

18 November 2019

TV Reporter Robert Bas Jailed for Refusing to Disclose Source at Murder Trial

Reply from the Dutch authorities (Ministry of Justice and Security)

14 November 2019

Suspension of Bulgarian National Radio Broadcasts Points to Vulnerability of Editorial Independence

Reply from the Bulgarian authorities

13 November 2019

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

OSCE Media Freedom Representative appalled by decision to re-arrest Ahmet Altan in Turkey one week after his release.

13 November 2019

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights reacts to the decision to re-arrest Ahmet Altan.

8 November 2019

Violent Arrest of Photo Reporter Albert Garcia

Response from the Spanish authorities

8 November 2019

Twelve Journalists Victims of Violence on the Sidelines of Demonstrations in Catalonia

Response from the Spanish authorities

5 November 2019

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of journalists Ahmet Altan, Mehmet Altan and Nazlı Ilıcak in Turkey.

5 November 2019

Journalists Arrested in Major Clampdown following Failed Coup in Turkey

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of journalists Ahmet Altan, Mehmet Altan and Nazlı Ilıcak in Turkey.

28 October 2019

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home

Reply from the Slovak authorities

28 October 2019

Judicial Harassment Against Opposition Journalists in Turkey

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of several journalists in Turkey, calls for further reforms that ensure better legal protection.

28 October 2019

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of several journalists in Turkey, calls for further reforms that ensure better legal protection.

28 October 2019

Özgür Gündem Journalists Targeted by Criminal Investigation

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of several journalists in Turkey, calls for further reforms that ensure better legal protection.

28 October 2019

Kurdish Media Journalists Arrested in Turkey

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of several journalists in Turkey, calls for further reforms that ensure better legal protection.

25 October 2019

TV Reporter Robert Bas Jailed for Refusing to Disclose Source at Murder Trial

OSCE Representative for media freedom calls for release of Dutch journalist Robert Bas; urges authorities to respect confidentiality of journalists’ sources.

25 October 2019

Azerbaijani Journalist Seymur Hazi Detained in Run-Up to Protests

OSCE Media Freedom Representative deplores obstruction of work of journalists in Azerbaijan, calling on authorities to ensure safe working conditions.

25 October 2019

Violent Arrest of Photo Reporter Albert Garcia

OSCE Representative for Media Freedom concerned by attacks against journalists during demonstrations in Spain, calls for protection of journalists covering protests.

25 October 2019

Twelve Journalists Victims of Violence on the Sidelines of Demonstrations in Catalonia

OSCE Representative for Media Freedom concerned by attacks against journalists during demonstrations in Spain, calls for protection of journalists covering protests.

25 October 2019

Ukrainian Journalist Stanyslav Aseev Missing in Donbass

OSCE Representative Désir strongly condemns jailing of Donetsk journalist Aseev, reiterates call for immediate release.

24 October 2019

Journalists Detained and Subjected to Police Violence while Covering Peaceful Protests

OSCE Media Freedom Representative deplores obstruction of work of journalists in Azerbaijan, calling on authorities to ensure safe working conditions.

24 October 2019

Draft law Punishing Disclosure of Classified Information Threatens Journalists

Reply from the Belgian authorities

22 October 2019

Violent Arrest of Photo Reporter Albert Garcia

Worried about a context of growing insecurity for journalists reporting on the situation in Catalonia in recent months, with attacks against journalists on the rise, CoE Human Rights Commissioner calls Spanish authorities to investigate all reported cases of attacks against journalists, and to take measures s to guarantee the safety of all journalists during demonstrations.

22 October 2019

Twelve Journalists Victims of Violence on the Sidelines of Demonstrations in Catalonia

Worried about a context of growing insecurity for journalists reporting on the situation in Catalonia in recent months, with attacks against journalists on the rise, CoE Human Rights Commissioner calls Spanish authorities to investigate all reported cases of attacks against journalists, and to take measures s to guarantee the safety of all journalists during demonstrations.

21 October 2019

Twelve Journalists Victims of Violence on the Sidelines of Demonstrations in Catalonia

Response form the Spanish authorities

21 October 2019

Ukrainian Journalist Detained and her Equipment Seized by Rome Police

Reply from the Italian authorities

17 October 2019

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb

“The Government of Malta remains far behind in its obligation to ensure that investigations in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia are conducted in a prompt, effective, independent and impartial manner” said Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression and UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions on the occasion of the anniversary of the journalist's murder.

11 October 2019

Brutal Attack on the Ukrainian National News Agency Ukrinform

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

11 October 2019

TV Channel '112 Ukraine' Kyiv Office Targeted by a Grenade

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

11 October 2019

Cameraman Vadim Makaryuk Severely Assaulted

Reply from the Government of Ukraine

10 October 2019

Italian Riot Police Beat La Repubblica Reporter Stefano Origone

Reply from the Italian authorities

10 October 2019

Ahmet Altan and Mehmet Altan Detained for Words Used on TV

CoE Human Rights Commissioner : Court decision prolonging Ahmet Altan detention is an "unacceptable delay in rectifying a blatant human rights violation".

7 October 2019

Football Fans Stormed Radio Sarajevo Newsroom and Forced Staff to Remove News Item

CoE Human Rights Commissioner welcomes the prompt reaction of the authorities in #Bosnia and Herzegovina who condemned the attacks against some Radio Sarajevo’s journalists and reportedly arrested the perpetrators.

7 October 2019

Russia Investigates Reporter Svetlana Prokopyeva, Seizes Property over Allegations of "Justifying Terrorism"

OSCE Media Freedom Representative reiterates his call for dropping criminal charges against journalist Svetlana Prokopyeva in the Russian Federation.

4 October 2019

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb

PACE Rapporteur considers that "Daphne Caruana Galizia inquiry in Malta ‘does not meet the Assembly’s expectations’ ". Statement by Pieter Omtzigt

4 October 2019

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb

PACE Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights invites the Maltese authorities to address the issues raised by Rapporteur Pieter Omtzigt concerning the terms of reference for the independent public inquiry as a matter of urgency.

3 October 2019

Football Fans Stormed Radio Sarajevo Newsroom and Forced Staff to Remove News Item

OSCE Media Freedom Representative condemns attack on Radiosarajevo.ba, calls for better protection of journalists.

23 September 2019

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb

Public inquiry into death of Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta must be fully independent and yield justice, states OSCE Media Freedom Representative.

23 September 2019

Investigative Journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia Killed by Car Bomb

PACE rapporteur on the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia and the rule of law in Malta welcomes decision to set up inquiry into the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

19 September 2019

Slovakia Seeks to Introduce Right of Reply for Politicians

OSCE Media Freedom Representative calls for repeal of controversial amendments to Slovak Press Act

19 September 2019

Malta Economy Minister Issues four Libel Suits and Warrants Against Blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia

CoE Human Rights Commissioner calls on Maltese authorities to withdraw posthumous defamation lawsuits against the family of Daphne Caruana Galizia and to amend legislation on defamation.

18 September 2019

Journalist Gordan Duhaček Fined for ‘Anti-Police’ Twitter Message

The arrest and fine of Croatian journalist Gordan Duhacek for his posts on Twitter amount to pure intimidation of the press, says CoE Commissioner.

18 September 2019

Journalist Gordan Duhaček Fined for ‘Anti-Police’ Twitter Message

OSCE Media Freedom Representative raises serious concern about lawsuits and brief detention of journalist in Croatia.

13 September 2019

Cumhuriyet Newspaper Employees arrested on Terrorism-Related Charges

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of seven former Cumhuriyet journalists in Turkey.

9 September 2019

RIA Novosti Journalist Kyrylo Vyshynsky Held on Treason Allegations in Ukraine

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of Sushchenko and Vyshinsky, thanks both countries for this achievement.

9 September 2019

Ukrainian Journalist Held on ‘Spying‘ Allegations

OSCE Media Freedom Representative welcomes release of Sentsov, Sushchenko and Vyshinsky, thanks both countries for this achievement.

4 September 2019

Journalist Levent Uysal Wounded in Shooting Attack

OSCE Media Freedom Representative strongly condemns shooting of journalist in Turkey, calls for thorough investigation

30 August 2019

Journalists Physically and Verbally Attacked at Marakana Stadium

OSCE representative for Media Freedom condemned physical attacks & threats against N1 and Federalnaba TV journalists by football fans and called on the Serbian authorities to condemn these attacks and prosecute the perpetrators.

28 August 2019

At Least Nine Journalists Detained for Reporting on Protests against Government-Appointed Trustees

OSCE Media Freedom Representative raises concern over recent detentions of journalists covering public protests in Turkey

27 August 2019

Reporters Atanas Tchobanov and Asen Yordanov Subjected to Judicial Probe

Response from the Bulgarian authorities

27 August 2019

Bulgaria: Journalists Injured by Police During Protest

Response from the Bulgarian authorities

27 August 2019

Bulgaria: Investigative journalist attacked

Response from the Bulgarian authorities

27 August 2019

Bulgarian Investigative Journalist's Car Set on Fire following Warnings about TV Reports

Response from the Bulgarian authorities

27 August 2019

Journalist Stoyan Tonchev Brutally Attacked

Response from the Bulgarian authorities

23 August 2019

Mass Surveillance Operation on Slovak Journalists

On 22 August 2019, the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) evaluated the effectiveness of the existing framework to prevent corruption in central government and law enforcement agencies and published a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening transparency, integrity and accountability in public life.

23 August 2019

Slovak Journalist Gets a Suspended Sentence for Defamation

On 22 August 2019, the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) evaluated the effectiveness of the existing framework to prevent corruption in central government and law enforcement agencies and published a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening transparency, integrity and accountability in public life.

23 August 2019

Slovak Investigative Journalist Jan Kuciak Killed at Home

On 22 August 2019, the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) evaluated the effectiveness of the existing framework to prevent corruption in central government and law enforcement agencies and published a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening transparency, integrity and accountability in public life.

22 August 2019

Italian Interior Minister's Security Escort Officer Threatens a Journalist

Reply from the Italian authorities (Ministry of Interior)

20 August 2019

N1 TV Reporter in Kosovo Zana Cimili Received Death Threats

Reply from the Serbian authorities (Ministry of the Interior)

16 August 2019

Mass Surveillance Operation on Slovak Journalists

Official response of the Government of Slovakia

14 August 2019

Austrian News Anchor Targeted in Intimidation Campaign

Reply from the Austrian authorities

13 August 2019

WDR Journalist Georg Restle Receives Death Threat After Criticising Right-Wing Party AfD

Reply from the German authorities

8 August 2019

Journalist Nadia Daam Harassed and Target of Death Threats on Social Network

Reply from the French authorities

7 August 2019

Court Imposes Access Block on News Portals and Social Media